Integrating Metaphors for a Planning Ecology. Evaluating the Work of a Local Quality Platform

Abstract

Multi-actor collaboration is a major condition within planning situations which include not only analysis, research and design, but also action programs, communication, and implementation. For the sake of integration, five metaphors are introduced to frame a major change in an ongoing planning process, to guide projects towards coherence, and to offer a medium for coordination. The installation of a quality platform offered opportunities for transdisciplinary action research. Through the lens of a planning ecology the paper focusses on the fabric and dynamics of correspondence between contextualized planning actors. After introducing theme, approach and method, the paper elaborates on the notion of ‘planning ecology’, then problematises the case Beringen-Mijn, next reflects on findings concerning metaphors mobilized for and of collaboration. Conclusions reflect on the findings and evaluate the relevance of ‘planning ecology’ as approach. Keywords collaboration, metaphor, planning ecology, correspondence