The Narrative Turn in Urban Planning: Plotting the Helsinki Waterfront

The Narrative Turn in Urban Planning defines key concepts such as story,narrative,and plot against a planning backdrop and applies them to two extended case studies from the planning of the Helsinki waterfront. It presents a threefold taxonomy of narratives within a planning framework and will serve as an important reference text for upper-level students and researchers interested in urban planning.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 154 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Narratives hold immense significance within the realm of urban planning, and their role and power have garnered increasing attention in both theory and practice. However, a comprehensive exploration of how narratives and concepts from narrative and literary theory can enrich planning and policy remains lacking. To address this gap, The Narrative Turn in Urban Planning emerges as a valuable contribution. It defines key concepts such as story, narrative, and plot within the context of urban planning, while also developing a functional typology of diverse planning narratives. Through two extended case studies focused on the planning of the Helsinki waterfront, the book applies these narrative concepts and theories to a wide range of texts and practices, exploring pathways toward a more conscious and contextualized future of urban planning. It raises important questions about the definition of narratives in urban planning and proposes a threefold taxonomy of narratives within a planning framework. This book is a crucial resource for upper-level students and researchers engaged in urban planning, offering insightful insights and perspectives on the power of storytelling in shaping urban spaces.

Introduction:
The Narrative Turn in Urban Planning is a groundbreaking work that delves into the profound impact of narratives on urban planning. In the context of urban planning, narratives are not just mere stories or anecdotes; they hold immense power to shape the way cities are designed, developed, and experienced. This book aims to bridge the gap between planning theory and practice by exploring the potential of narratives to enrich planning and policy.
Defining Key Concepts:
The book begins by defining key concepts such as story, narrative, and plot against a planning backdrop. It sheds light on the ways in which narratives can be used as tools to understand and analyze urban spaces, as well as to communicate and advocate for change. The author also introduces a functional typology of different planning narratives, which categorizes narratives based on their purpose, content, and structure.
Case Studies:
To illustrate the practical application of narrative concepts and theories, the book presents two extended case studies from the planning of the Helsinki waterfront. These case studies provide a rich source of information and insights into the ways in which narratives can influence urban planning processes. Through these case studies, the author demonstrates how narratives can be used to create a sense of place, promote community engagement, and address social and environmental issues.
Threefold Taxonomy of Narratives:
One of the key contributions of The Narrative Turn in Urban Planning is its threefold taxonomy of narratives within a planning framework. The author proposes a taxonomy that categorizes narratives based on their purpose, content, and structure. This taxonomy helps planners and policymakers understand the different types of narratives that can be used to achieve specific planning goals and objectives.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, The Narrative Turn in Urban Planning is a must-read for anyone interested in urban planning, urban design, and the power of storytelling. This book offers a comprehensive exploration of the role and power of narratives in urban planning, and provides valuable insights and practical tools for practitioners and policymakers. By integrating narrative concepts and theories into planning practices, cities can become more inclusive, sustainable, and livable for all their residents.

Weight: 280g
Dimension: 157 x 351 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367555863