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The Epistemological Divide in Urban Design: Reconciling Theory and Practice

Year 2025, Volume: 4 Issue: 1, 1 - 20, 20.05.2025

Francis Deng Clement , Ali Soltani

https://doi.org/10.63673/DepArch.2025.37

Abstract

Urban design faces a critical challenge in bridging the gap between theoretical frameworks and real-world implementation. This paper examines the persistent divide between ideals and practice through the lenses of zoning governance, interdisciplinary collaboration, and urban resilience. The study reveals how rigid institutional structures, competing priorities, and fragmented approaches continue to hinder sustainable urban development. Through comparative analysis of global case studies, the research demonstrates that successful urban transformation requires three key elements: flexible zoning systems that balance regulation with community needs, meaningful integration across professional disciplines, and genuine participatory approaches that elevate local knowledge. The findings expose systemic barriers including political-economic constraints, cultural mismatches, and institutional resistance to innovation. The study proposes a new paradigm of reflexive urban practice that combines dynamic policymaking with community engagement and ecological principles. This approach emphasizes continuous adaptation through feedback loops between planning, implementation, and evaluation. The research provides concrete tools for practitioners while highlighting the need for fundamental changes in how urban design is taught, regulated, and implemented. Ultimately, this work argues that urban design must evolve from a technical discipline into an adaptive, inclusive practice capable of addressing 21st century challenges. The findings offer pathways to create more equitable, resilient cities by fundamentally rethinking the relationships between policy, design, and community needs.

Keywords

Architecture Criticism Practical Gaps Theoretical Urban Design

Ethical Statement

"This study did not require ethics committee approval as it did not involve human participants, animal subjects, or any other research components that fall under the requirement for ethical review. The research was based on publicly available data and urban planning methodologies."

Supporting Institution

Nantong University

Project Number

Bridging the Theory-Practice Divide in Urban Planning and Design: Addressing Criticism and Enhancing Zoning Strategies

Thanks

The authors express their gratitude to Professor Zhang Wei, Dean of the School of Arts at Nantong University, for his valuable encouragement and insightful support during the preparation of this article.

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Kentsel Tasarımda Epistemolojik Ayrım: Teori ve Pratiği Uzlaştırma

Year 2025, Volume: 4 Issue: 1, 1 - 20, 20.05.2025

Francis Deng Clement , Ali Soltani

https://doi.org/10.63673/DepArch.2025.37

Abstract

Kentsel tasarım, teorik çerçeveler ile gerçek dünya uygulaması arasındaki boşluğu kapatmada kritik bir zorlukla karşı karşıyadır. Bu makale, imar yönetimi, disiplinlerarası işbirliği, ve kentsel dayanıklılık perspektifinden idealler ile uygulama arasındaki kalıcı ayrımı incelemektedir. Çalışma, katı kurumsal yapılar, rekabet eden öncelikler ve parçalı yaklaşımların sürdürülebilir kentsel gelişimi nasıl engellemeye devam ettiğini ortaya koyuyor. Araştırma, küresel vaka çalışmalarının karşılaştırmalı analiziyle, başarılı kentsel dönüşümün üç temel unsuru gerektirdiğini göstermektedir: düzenlemeleri topluluk ihtiyaçlarıyla dengeleyen esnek imar sistemleri, profesyonel disiplinler arasında anlamlı entegrasyon ve yerel bilgiyi yükselten samimi katılımcı yaklaşımlar. Bulgular, siyasi-ekonomik kısıtlamalar, kültürel uyumsuzluklar ve yeniliğe karşı kurumsal direniş gibi sistemik engelleri ortaya koymaktadır. Çalışma, topluluk katılımı ve çevre koruma kurallarını bir araya getirerek, esnek bir politika geliştirmek için yeni bir yöntem öneriyor. Bu yaklaşım, planlama, uygulama, ve değerlendirme arasındaki geri bildirim döngüleri aracılığıyla sürekli uyumu vurgular. Araştırma, uygulayıcılara somut araçlar sağlarken, kentsel tasarımın nasıl öğretildiği, düzenlendiği, ve uygulandığı konusunda köklü değişiklikler gereksinimini vurgulamaktadır. Sonuç olarak, bu çalışma kentsel tasarımın sadece bir teknik alan olmaktan çıkıp, 21. yüzyılın sorunlarını çözebilecek uyumlu ve kapsayıcı bir uygulama haline gelmesi gerektiğini öne sürüyor. Bulgular, politika, tasarım, ve topluluk ihtiyaçları arasındaki ilişkileri temelden yeniden düşünerek daha adil ve dayanıklı şehirler yaratmanın yollarını sunmaktadır.

Keywords

Mimarlık Eleştiri Pratik Boşluklar Kuramsal Kentsel Tasarım Kentsel Planlama.

Project Number

Bridging the Theory-Practice Divide in Urban Planning and Design: Addressing Criticism and Enhancing Zoning Strategies

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Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Urban Aesthetics, Architectural History, Theory and Criticism
Journal Section Research Articles
Authors

Francis Deng Clement 0009-0004-8359-447X

Ali Soltani

Project Number Bridging the Theory-Practice Divide in Urban Planning and Design: Addressing Criticism and Enhancing Zoning Strategies
Publication Date May 20, 2025
Submission Date September 20, 2024
Acceptance Date March 14, 2025
Published in Issue Year 2025 Volume: 4 Issue: 1

Cite

APA Clement, F. D., & Soltani, A. (2025). The Epistemological Divide in Urban Design: Reconciling Theory and Practice. DEPARCH Journal of Design Planning and Aesthetics Research, 4(1), 1-20. https://doi.org/10.63673/DepArch.2025.37
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