Master Plan: Week 10

The master plan is a document that describes the future city , it includes maps with zoning, charts of the city streets, public buildings, utitlities and open spaces. It is designed to last for 10-20 years. With many organisations choosing to review the plan every 5 years in order to update and maintain its relevance. The plan itself is not 100 % strict on its rulings, but it is a guide in the way to city is to develop over the next period of time in consultation with the community. The reading this week described the plan has having 6 main uses to planners.1) A source of information 2) A program for correction 3) Estimate of the future 4) Indicator of goals 5) Technique of coordination 6) A device ( planning tool) to stimulate public interest.

I had a quick look at the canberra plan to try to get a better understanding on it. The plan is written by ACTPLA in accociation with the community and the document itself is quite long. They include maps which I think are the most important thing; as they help with the 6 main uses as a person can literally visualise what the plan is going to do. Such communication allows for a more open and effective plan. It covers alot of issues, inwhich to fully go through would take hours.However it is layed out well which is effective communication as it is easy to navigate to certain sections. I think that as a planner we should make sure that we include lots of maps to demonstrate our points of views. As a local citizen would not read a 70 page + book but would read a flier with a map to spark such interest of the direction of a town. As Jane Jacobs says, its ultimatly the citizens in the town who will decide if they like the plan or not and if it was effective in what they wanted. Its our role as the planner to use a hands on approach and to work with the people to create the master plan.

Canberra's most influential master plan?

Taken from ; http://drownedandsaved.wordpress.com/2010/10/26/project-towards-new-city/

If you would like information on the Canberra plans follow this link; http://www.actpla.act.gov.au/tools_resources/legislation_plans_registers/plans/master_plans
Really good site inwhich includes alot of information on the formation amd implementation of a master plan. Anyways any questions or comments, always welcome.
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