Kimmo Lapintie

Analysing and evaluating argumentation in planning

Recent developments in textual analysis in the social sciences can be used to analyse the phenomenon called the ‘argumentative’ or ‘communicative’ turn by, for example, Patsy Healey. In this paper, modern argumentation theory, in particular the pragma-dialectical theory of Frans van Eemeren and Rob Grootendorst, together with some elements from discourse analysis, are discussed as theoretical and practical tools in analysing and evaluating arguments used in planning. It appears that there are many features in planning texts that are predominantly rhetorical and which have to be taken into account in order to reveal the basic structure of argumentation. I also discuss how planning argumentation could be developed in order to answer the challenges of participation as well as other new demands, such as sustainability.(1)

Modalities of Urban Space

Space is generally regarded as one of the key concepts in urban design and planning. Theoretical approaches in the field of design have, however, remained fragmentary, often concentrating on only one or two aspects of space (such as visual quality or functional requirements) and excluding others (such as social, cultural and political aspects of space). Within the fields of planning theory, geography and urban sociology, on the other hand, there is much more theorizing which, however, often remains too abstract to offer any real guidance to spatial practitioners. This article will work out a new theoretical approach to urban space informed by modal logic. In short, urban space is considered in terms of possibilities, that is, the activities that are opened up for the human agent and the possibilities of change, as well as the elements of trust and fear that will be perceived and conceived.

Exploring the concept of green infrastructure in urban landscape. Experiences from Italy, Canada and Finland

Abstract Several disciplines, such as landscape architecture, species conservation and water management, have contributed to the advancement of knowledge of Green Infrastructure (GI). However, doubts remain on the best approach to embed the concept of GI and related components in planning policies and practice. This paper presents a literature review of the scientific and policy frameworks of GI as well as the knowledge gap that exists between academics and practitioners. Furthermore, a discourse analysis of planning documents was conducted in the metropolitan regions of Milan, Montreal and Helsinki. The three metropolitan regions are challenging new forms of cooperation between academics and practitioners. The results show that while studies on GI are used to support planning strategies, they struggle to address spatial, landscape and environmental issues at the local scale. Closer interdisciplinary cooperation between academics, as well as between academics and practitioners, can help to find new approaches to urban landscape.

Emerging Workplaces in Post-Functionalist Cities

ABSTRACT This paper explores new types of workplaces that are emerging due to the growing flexibility in work arrangements and the use of information and communication technologies. In addition to home and office, third places, such as libraries and coffee shops, are increasingly used as temporary workplaces. Moreover, there is a proliferation of co-working spaces that are designed as temporary working locations. Thus, the boundaries between traditional urban functions have become blurred; different functions co-exist in the same spaces, and new functionalities emerge as people take spaces into new uses. We may call our cities “post-functionalist,” ones that are no longer based only on predetermined and designed functions. However, there has been little research on the spatial characteristics of these new workplaces as well as on the social features within these places. These phenomena have been empirically studied through observational studies, interviews, and spatial analyses of three such sites: Café Köket, Meetingpoint, and Helsinki Think Company in the city center of Helsinki. The results reveal new forms of appropriation of public and semi-public spaces for working purposes that have not yet been analyzed in the context of existing urban policies and practices. The findings provide input for future visions and the planning of new workplaces.

Kimmo Lapintie — Finland

1. Present Status of Planning Planning has generally a rather strong position in Finland: the regulative, hierarchical structure of regionals plans, municipal master plans and detailed plans is mandatory, and they control building design and construction in great detail. Every municipality is required to produce its local plans and participate with the regional authorities responsible for regional planning and policies. Municipal planning is a local monopoly, which means there are some problems in coordination and conflicts of interest between the municipalities. However, the possibility of planning being able to respond to the current challenges of urban regions is an open question. The existing planning system was originally constructed to support stable urban growth and rational urban and regional structure, and thus it is rather weak in terms of dealing with shrinking cities and emptying countryside, or even the pressing problems of the fast-growing urban regions. On the other hand, urban sprawl and its underlying causes is a recurring issue that planning has not yet been able to come to terms with, in spite of much talk of sustainability and energy efficiency. The new generation of planners is even more pro-urban, but it remains to be seen how well they will be able to influence political decision-making towards achieving their goals.

Exploring multi-local working: challenges and opportunities for contemporary cities

ABSTRACT An increasing phenomenon in contemporary cities is to work in multiple places, such as home, offices, and coffee shops, while simultaneously using ICT devices and networks. However, little attention has been paid to the new socio-spatial demands facing city services. This phenomenon has been empirically studied through a comparative case study in the city centre of Helsinki, Finland, by conducting observations of one public library (Library 10) and one coffee shop (Café Köket), as well as semi-structured interviews with the multi-local workers and managers of the two places. This comparative case study shows that multi-local workers with different profiles (age, level of education, contract of employment) and varied socio-spatial working practices use the library and coffee shop for several working purposes, such as individual or collective informal offices, or as temporary workplaces of a larger city network with urban ambiance. Thus, discussion of this phenomenon has shifted to a re-conceptualizing of the third place as well as future visioning of the business model of coffee shops and service concepts of libraries. The results might be useful to managers, architects, planners and policy makers when developing the network of facilities within the cities as well as the multi-functionality of urban spaces.

New forms of multi-local working: identifying multi-locality in planning as well as public and private organizations’ strategies in the Helsinki region

ABSTRACT Over the last decades, there has been a significant development towards new forms of multi-locality, particularly for job-related reasons. In addition to offices, many can work in multiple places (such as the home, co-working spaces, coffee shops and public libraries). In addition to workers in start-ups and small entrepreneurs, who are traditionally known to be more mobile, white-collar workers employed by organizations are increasingly becoming multi-local. However, little is known about the ways in which multi-locality is addressed within the urban regions. This phenomenon has been studied at Aalto and NMBU University within the BEMINE research project by analysing recent policy and planning documents, as well as organizations’ strategies within the Helsinki region. In addition to a literature review, a qualitative analysis of planning documents was conducted as well as semi-structured interviews with five organizations (both private and public) in Finland employing mobile white-collars. The findings reveal that while policy-makers and city planners have not yet addressed the complexity of multi-locality, both private and public organizations are focusing on more concrete multi-local strategies and working practices. More dialogue is needed amongst policy-makers, city planners and organizations to address multi-locality at different levels of analysis and planning.

The Art of the Possible

Politics is often described as ‘the art of the possible’ – usually to explain the evident need to make compromises. This dictum is from Reichskanzler, Otto von Bismarck, who is quoted in 1867 as saying that: “Die Politik ist die Lehre vom Möglichen” and, somewhat earlier, in 1863: “Die Politik ist keine Wissenschaft, wie viele der Herren Professoren sich einbilden, sondern eine Kunst”. But what did he actually mean by these words, ‘Lehre’ and ‘Kunst’, usually translated as ‘art’? In both English and German, the words ‘art’ and ‘Kunst’ have a double meaning: the skill to get something done, or the cultural practice or the artists and their products. In some other languages – such as my own native language, Finnish – there are two words to express these two meanings, which have become separate over time: ‘taito’ and ‘taide’. However, it was hardly Bismarck’s intention to identify himself as an artist; rather he wanted to distance himself from science, criticising the “Herren Professoren” who thought that politics could be based on science.

Dialogues of the Deaf

Communicative planning theories, emphasizing dialogue between participants or stakeholders, have difficulties in dealing with this problem. In order to avoid the dominance of scientific and technical reason, alternative ways of knowing and reasoning are promoted. However, participants with valid arguments are not necessarily willing to be treated as ‘alternative’ knowers, but they rather want to be taken seriously. Still, their arguments can be totally ignored if they are unable to keep them on the agenda. This often requires using media or lobbying politicians, instead of just discussing with planners.