"UN HABITAT."

Includes bibliographical references (p. [275]-293) and index.

pt. 1. Challenges and context. Urban challenges and the need to revi sit urban planning -- Understanding the diversity of urban contexts -- pt. 2. Global trends : the urban planning process (procedural). The eme rgence and spread of contemporary urban planning -- The institutional a nd regulatory framework for planning -- Planning, participation and pol itics -- pt. 3. Global trends : the content of urban plans (substantive ). Bridging the green and brown agendas -- Planning and informality -- Planning, spatial structure of cities and provision of infrastructure - - pt. 4. Global trends : monitoring evaluation and education. The monit oring and evaluation of urban plans -- Planning education -- pt. 4. Fut ure policy directions. Towards a new role for urban planning -- pt. 5. Statistical annex. Technical notes -- Data tables.

This publication reviews recent urban planning practices and approac hes, discusses constraints and conflicts therein, and identifies innova tive approaches that are more responsive to current challenges of urban ization. It notes that traditional approaches to urban planning (partic ularly in developing countries) have largely failed to promote equitabl e, efficient and sustainable human settlements and to address twenty-fi rst century challenges, including rapid urbanization, shrinking cities and aging, climate change and related disasters, urban sprawl and unpla nned peri-urbanization, as well as urbanization of poverty and informal ity. It concludes that new approaches to planning can only be meaningfu l, and have a greater chance of succeeding, if they effectively address all of these challenges, are participatory and inclusive, as well as l inked to contextual socio-political processes.--Publisher's description