Experiential Planning: A Practitioner's Account of Vancouver's Success

Abstract

Problem: Vancouver, BC, has achieved international acclaim for its livability and compact urban form, making it one model of good planning practice. What techniques and strategies contributed to effective planning practice in the city? Purpose: This article shares stories from a prominent practitioner in Vancouver, illuminating some of the techniques and processes planners used to help develop consensus around building a socially responsible and progressive city. Methods: The article presents results from interviews with Larry Beasley, the former director of current planning with the City of Vancouver. Excerpts from the interviews illustrate his locally situated theory of planning practice. Results and conclusions: Beasley's stories of practice are not those of a heroic planner, but affirmations of basic planning principles: good processes, practical ethics, and effective organization. Beasley's model of "experiential planning" pursues good city form and function using socially just and politically responsive participatory processes. Vancouver planners helped build consensus by framing meaningful visions based on the everyday experiences and aspirations of residents. This model holds promise for further development. Takeaway for practice: As we search practitioners' success stories for strategies and outcomes to emulate, it is important to identify which factors made a difference to outcomes. Those seeking to copy Vancouver's success will find some elements of the Vancouver case unique. However, Vancouver planners also developed engagement techniques and management strategies with wide applicability. Research support: This research was supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.