Seminar Five: The communicative turn in planning theory and its implications for spatial strategy formation

This seminar's reading The communicative turn in planning theory and its implications for spatial strategy formation by P Healy elaborates on the shifting change in the role of spatial strategy formation in the area of planning. Healy embodies 5 steps which he sees more suitable for planners in which they can engage with all parties involved in policy making or development proposals. These steps explains how members of the community should engage and the style these discussions should reverberate on in order for policies to be implemented and discussions to be seen as a success for all parties involved. Healy also attempts to identify the meaning of 'community' He also refers to two meanings of community; the first is more spatially based, whilst the second is more stake based. It is important to accommodate the stakeholders in discussions as they hold the key for what is deemed more beneficial for their community. Healy believe that, despite conflicting interests amongst parties of interest, a resolution/s can benefit ALL parties and not a singular party which we had previously discussed in past seminars. Inclusionary argumentation, which perceived by Healy, follows up from the 5 step proposal of consultation but is emphasized more on analysis of argumentation brought forward by each party. Healy also mentions the importance of language during these discussions.

I believe that planning should always put all party interests on the table and not a singular interest at heart because a more engaged community will always produce better outcomes which will perhaps be more beneficial for all parties. Healy has re-emphasized this importance of citizen participation whilst also pointing out some other important aspects of spatial planning in which we had discussed before in previous seminars. Healy has demonstrated through his writings of this text that spatial form, despite its ever-evolving surroundings, is more pragmatic through citizen participation rather than simply just theoretical propositions.