a critical evaluation on the concept of justice in planning process

1.1. Aim of the Study
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
In practice of the planning discipline in our country, with regard to
determination of the formation ways and processes of urban space, physical plans are
produced as result of a series of technical and social studies based on particularly the
physical structure of cities. Following the phase of planning, the approved plans are re-
determined by many actors during implementation and urban space often becomes
subject to such new results that are different from the decisions previously determined
by physical plans. The plans then begin to be embodying in documents that usually have
no resemblance with the spatial environment created. This practice that comprises the
physical planning dimension of planning activity pertains to our practice of
development planning. In a variety of different ways, it is possible to monitor the
impacts of actors and this practical process pointing out to those different actors who
are influential in formation of urban space all upon urban space. However, this thesis
takes its departure point from the will to scrutinize the way how conflicting urban
spatial demands are expressed in terms of “justice” demands. In line with this aim, the
spatial pressures of actors demanding for justice upon urban space will be examined and
the way how space is produced within this process will be monitored and evaluated.
The fact that planning discipline is a scientific activity where the methods used
are based on scientific bases causes the problem as to what kind of values these
scientific methods shall carry become a matter of secondary importance. However, the
most fundamental problems of planning involve the distribution of resources throughout
urban space, the supply of urban facilities and accessibility and how this distribution
can be realized in the best and most proper way. Although the basic criteria in
distribution of resources is interpreted according to predefined standards such as per
capita allocation, the justice in such a distribution is usually disregarded (Talen, 1998).
Contrarily though, the justice debate is a process concerned with how spatially, socially,
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