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Spatial planning and management is political…

The urban realm is integral to how society functions; without space in which to engage in all aspects of life, life cannot happen; people must live and work in buildings (whether they be on land or water). The political sphere determines how we own, distribute and use land and therefore all spatial planning and spatial management systems are political also (Cuthbert, 2007). For the purposes of this essay it is assumed that the political goal of an effective spatial planning and spatial management system is to facilitate the creation of an urban realm that provides a variety of building typologies and public spaces that enables society to function smoothly (1), e.g. in a capitalist society, spatial management will enable the creation of an urban realm that facilitates opportunity for private and national wealth creation and social stability.

The simple rationale for this position is that the organisation of cities reflects the organisation of society. Social spaces and form is our fundamental object of concern. Abstract exercises in spatial form must weld to the demands of social process.

Cuthbert, A. (2007) Urban design: requiem for an era - review and critique of the last 50 years