ABSTRACT
The previous six chapters explained in theory and in concrete instances how projects, plans, and policy ideas traveling internationally affect the transformation of contemporary cities locally. This chapter assesses the conditions and relevance of local planning with reference to current trends and to the evidence presented in the previous chapters and planning’s interactions with transnational architecture and urbanism. In the picture regarding a more general crisis of legitimacy of local planning knowledge and expertise as seen in many cases, this chapter stresses the particularly adverse conditions for improving planning knowledge in practice: the speed in planning and development along with high numbers of large-scale projects; the de-politicization of local planning processes in both Western and Asian countries; and more generally the reasons for a recurrent state of unlearning on part of local authorities. This investigation into emerging transnational issues can help to critically reconsider how to conceive the planning and management of certain ongoing and future urban transformations. The chapter aims to outline a realistic view of the actual space and opportunities that architects, urban planners, designers, and policy makers have to make better projects and places in the diverse conditions observed in this book and more generally in contemporary cities.
