Land use models: retrospect and prospects of their role in spatial planning

Abstract

Land use patterns affect functionality of space. The way in which land uses influence and reshape space can be studied with the help of land use models. Under this notion land use models are an integral part of planning and decision making processes.

This article is a retrospect of the role of land use models in spatial planning over the last five decades. At the same time there is an exploration of the emerging philosophical needs and theories in planning. The purpose of this exploration is to set the theoretical background that will help us redefine the role of land use models in the context of the new planning processes.

Finally, the article comes to the conclusion that traditional role of land use models has changed. Conceptual changes in the field of planning raised serious questions in regard to the purpose, objectives and functionality of urban models. The new planning approach rejects the rationality concept that these tools represent and embraces the multidimensional nature of planning. Under this notion, land use models can have a participatory role in the planning process and be the core for developing interdisciplinary and democratic planning tools that should prevail in contemporary planning.