Despite the fact that planning is inexorably based on decisions, this concept has not gathered the attention it deserves in urban planning literature, especially when we consider the latest achievements in the fields of constructivist decision aiding and behavioral psychology. This paper briefly reviews these achievements and explores the consequences of their integration into the framework of urban planning theory. In order to do this, it initially elaborates a working definition and proposes a threefold classification of decisions: executive, substantive and procedural. Then, explores four key aspects of planning that can be more deeply understood from the viewpoint of decision-making and decision-aiding: a) conviction building; b) the evolving nature of problem formulation; c) the difficulties and the need to estimate future developments; d) the relationship between means, ends and the ensuing conflicts of interests; and e) the need for comprehensiveness. Finally, these aspects are used as a basis for the recognition of weaknesses in current urban development initiatives and the identification of opportunities for improvement aimed at making these processes fairer, more democratic and effective.
Planning theory; Decision theory; Cognition; Urban plans; Participatory planning