From forecasts to scenarios in strategic city-regional land-use and transportation planning

Abstract

The article proposes a theoretical framework for the application of four scenario-planning approaches in strategic land-use and transportation (LUT) planning, focusing on city-regions. Each approach has a specific role in the process, with a distinct mode of knowing: explanation (knowing what), narration (knowing how), argumentation (knowing to what end and practical judgment) and instrumentalization (doing). The framework is contrasted with reflections from Finnish planning practitioners and applied when reviewing the scenario and impact assessment process of the Helsinki Metropolitan Region strategic LUT plan. The article highlights the key role of explorative scenario planning in strategic city-regional LUT planning.