Lanktree, Charles W. "Form and Function in a Holistic Framework for Urban Planning and Design"

An investigation of Formalist and Functionalist approaches to Urban Planning and Design is important today due to the profound and pervasive influences which have affected current practice in the field because of our orientation to these dimensions in the planning of our cities. These two methodological streams have been identified as dominating the theory and practice of urban planning and design throughout the Modern and Post-Modern Period. The Formalist approach is defined by its primary concern for concepts of form, space and physical structure in the architecture of cities as they combine to comprise the physical environment. The Functionalist approach is primarily concerned with the operation of society within and between its social, economic and political sectors. The application of these two distinct approaches since the Industrial Revolution has revealed the essential theoretical polarity of methodology which they represent. In most cases it is evident that the application of either Formalism or Functionalism has been exclusionary and imbalanced in consideration of the milieu of factors affecting the development of our cities. That is, an emphasis on urban form has most often negated the substantive functional aspects of the social, economic and political sectors of society and an emphasis on the functional aspects often precludes an overt consideration of a formal expression in the built environment.

Such a methodological dichotomy is seen as a manifestation of the pervasive dialectical split between form and substance which lies at the roots of western epistemology from its origins in the writings of Aristotle. It is variously expressed in other spheres as a duality on a parallel course while being modified by theoretical and technological developments. But most important to this thesis is the consistency of evidence which points to the deficiency of both Formalist and Functionalist methodologies in their imbalanced emphasis on one dimension while neglecting both problems and opportunities which could be dealt with by consideration of the other. Whereas, the potential to resolve this imbalance is shown by the Holistic approach in comprehensively considering both sides of the form/function equation and combining them in a unified expression. Therefore, the past examples of Holistic planning and design are indicative and precedential to a more balanced and comprehensive approach to the field of urban planning and design.

However, although the development of holistic planning methods has been maintained to the present day, its application has been limited in physical scale and geographic distribution as well as being isolated from the mainstream of planning practice. In developing a holistic framework, therefore, our task is to expand the ways and means that the principle of form/function integration can be applied to planning practice. A methodological framework must be constructed from its theoretical foundations to its implementation mechanisms which is inclusive of all aspects of urban form and function within the pervue of the municipal planning authority.

In undertaking this methodological construct it is necessary, therefore, first to survey the theoretical foundations of functionalism and formalism in their present context of North American planning practice. But beyond this groundwork, it is also necessary to explore the potential within these approaches of an integrative formula of common ground as the basis of a holistic framework. Such a formula is identified in recent design methods which disaggregate to analyse and then integrate to synthesize the components of a design problem. As applied to the problem of urban planning and design this method isolates the key components of urban form and function and correlates them within a holistic ensemble. The common ground of these dual properties of urban planning and design is thereby revealed as their spatial manifestation which can be discerned as geographic and architectural components. These holistic components are also distinghished by their physical scale thus indicating the potential for a stepped ordering of components which can be grouped within geographic units. Therefore, a hierarchical framework of geographic units can be created to organize the operation of planning practice.

Such a comprehensive and holistic planning framework is seen as having profound implications for the process and practice of planning. The use of formalist and normative information intrinsic to such an approach would both require and facilitate the inclusion of the public directly in the planning process. The overt consideration of formalist concerns would also require the inclusion of design staff within the planning authority. Generally the practice of planning would be substantially altered by the collaboration of planning and design staff. The overall planning process would also require revamping to align with the hierarchical structure of geographical planning units. Revisions to the implementation mechanisms would be required in order to reflect the more explicit and specific design controls which flow from the policy and program directives. Therefore, as a result of these and other changes the nature of urban planning and design in North American cities would be transformed. In total, the system we have outlined creates a holistic and comprehensive framework for the theory and practice of the discipline.

An analysis and synthesis of the formal and functional dimensions' of urban planning and design has encapsulated the history, theory and practice of the discipline in the Modern and Post-Modern era. The presentation of research and findings; therefore, is divided into three corresponding chapters. A historic survey in the first chapter points out the origins and development of formalism and functionalism and the means to their integration in a holistic approach. The second chapter moves from the historic precedents of chapter one to investigate the theoretical foundations of formalism and functionalism and the means to their integration within a methodological framework. The third chapter then deals with the implications of such an integrative theory would have for the practice of urban planning and design in North America. The utilization of historic, theoretical and practical aspects of the field then provides the structure of a comprehensive and holistic framework which should increase the efficacy of the discipline to create a quality environment which responds to the present and future requirements and aspirations of society.

Atlantic Planners Institute

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This document was last modified on February 14, 2001.