rational model

Urban planning is the design and regulation of urban spaces, focusing on the physical form, economic functions, and social impacts of the urban environment. It involves setting goals, collecting data, forecasting, designing, and engaging the public. The field emerged in the late 19th century as a response to the disorder of industrial cities, aiming to balance social equity, economic growth, environmental sensitivity, and aesthetic appeal.1

The "rational model" of decision-making in urban planning, influenced by management science, suggests experts evaluate alternatives against specified goals to find the optimal solution. However, this approach has been challenged for its inability to fully quantify human consequences. Contemporary planning increasingly emphasizes participatory approaches, local differences, and market-based solutions, moving away from a single, universal model.234