Society planning by theory or understanding?

On a theoretical level one can argue for and create great tools for a more social and human approach to plan or renew city spaces, but theory is theory. The top down perspective is seldom reflecting the bottom up perception of a place.

On a practical level a project aiming to really understand and involve residents in the planning process truly put the theories to the test.  But at the same time, it’s impossible for residents/users to express affection for a place they haven’t experienced. That’s way architects and planners need to understand the residents/users  to be able to create a sustainable meeting place. Today I talk about this at Upplands Väsby’s Stadsbyggnadsdag 2012.