Complexity - a dilemma for planning : research on complexity theory, complexity in planning practice, and emergent manifolds

Abstract: This thesis draws the point of departure from the issues between planning and complexity. On the one hand, planning reduces complexity in order to organize cities, while on the other hand, complexity studies, a growing interest in urban planning discourse, suggest that increased complexity should be allowed to emerge in cities. Conceptual and practical tendencies between planning and complexity are investigated to explore the potentials for planning to deal with this issue. The main concern of the study is to contribute to improved responses to complexity in planning in order to realize the potentials of emergent complexity. Within this scope, the available theoretical information was compiled based on a literature review and then developed with syntheses and insights by means of a case study. The case study provided this study with the opportunity to illustrate the potential for actual complexity emerging in new and large-scale urban planning practices, and also the ways in which planning can foster such a potential. The results provide insight into different ways of thinking that can be brought to the development of cities and places, through planning that takes complexity into account theoretically and practically.