DEPARTMENT OF TOWN AND REGIONAL PLANNING

FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, PLANNING AND SURVEYING

UiTM SHAH ALAM

Course : Bachelor of Town and Regional Planning

Semester : 06
Subject : COMPARATIVE PLANNING (TPS652)
Lecturer : Puan Muna Binti Sarimin
Credit Hours : 2

A. SUBJECT DESCRIPTION

The course studies the concepts and approaches used in the field of comparative
planning and explores the methodologies of comparative analysis. It identifies the basic
principles and concepts on which strategic and local planning systems are based to
assess whether and how they are embodied in the planning systems of different
countries in the world (to include developing and developed countries). The course is
also designed to compare approaches to the practice of land use planning and
development control internationally. Case examples are used to demonstrate the
uniqueness and universality of policies, processes and planning systems. The challenge
of globalisation, AFTA, policy convergence and divergence of the specific problems of
transitional economies are also addressed.

B. AIMS/OBJECTIVES

The course aims at

a) to enable students to gain basic understanding of an unfamiliar planning

systems and approaches
b) to facilitate the students in identifying and explaining the distinctive features
of the planning system
c) to expose and equip the students with a wider aspects of planning principles
in global context
d) to understand the significance of comparative studies in planning
e) to be able to understand Malaysian planning in comparative perspective
f) to develop awareness of the issues involved in the transfer of policy and
practice

C. LEARNING OUTCOMES & KEY SKILLS

Conceptual/intellectual & problem definition, synthesis and application of knowledge to

practice, written communication, interpersonal communication, oral presentation,
quantitative and qualitative analysis, research and data collection, IT competency and
creativity

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D. LECTURE SCHEDULE

Week Topics

1 Induction/ Introduction to comparative planning

2 Urban planning in Malaysia
3 Comparative study 1 : Planning in the UK
4 Comparative study 2 : Planning in the Netherlands
5 Comparative study 3 : Planning Spain
6 Fieldwork
7 Comparative study 4: Planning in the USA
8 Comparative study 5: Planning in China
9 Comparative study 6 : Planning in Japan
10 Comparative study 7 : Planning in Indonesia
11 Comparative study 8 : Planning in Singapore
12 Mid Sem break (28/5 -1/6/2018)
13 Comparative study 9: Planning in Thailand
14 Advantages and limitations of comparative studies
Wrapping up session

D. ASSESSMENT

Coursework: 40%
Unseen Written Examination : 60%

* Detail brief of the coursework requirement will be issued later

E. REFERENCES

1. Arthur B, Gallion & Simon E (1986), The Urban Pattern: City Planning &
Design Van Nostrand and Reinhold Company, New York
2. Cherry, G.E (1974) The Evolution of British Town Planning, London, Leonard
Hill Books
3. Hall, P (1996) Cities of Tomorrow Oxford, Blackwell Publishers Ltd
4. Hall, P (1966) The World Cities, World University Library
5. Newman, P and Thornley A (1996) Urban Planning in Europe, New York
6. Newman, P and Thornley, A(2011) Planning World Cities Globalization
and Uban Politics Palgrave Macmillan, New York
7. Williams RH (1984) Planning in Europe George Allen & Unwin Ltd
8. Ruland, J (ed) (1996) The Dynamics of Metropolitan Management in
Southeast Asia, Singapore, Institute of Southeast Asian Studies
9. Dale, OJ (1999) Urban Planning in Singapore, Shah Alam

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Students are also expected to read through local as well as overseas planning
journals as follows to further complement the lectures and to enhance both local and
international planning knowledge. All these journals are available in the library on
periodic basic.

Planning – RTPI (UK based planning)

Cities – USA and Developing Countries
Town Planning Review – Liverpool University Press (UK & Europe)
Town and Country Planning – UK (locals)
Progress in Planning – LSE, UK
Journal of Urban Planning and Development – American Society of Civil
Engineers, USA – technical
New Urban News – USA journals on the latest urban-related issues

Further references related to particular lectures will issued with the lecture handouts.

“ And among His signs is the creation of the heaven and earth, and the difference of
your languages and colours. Verily, in that are indeed signs for men and sound
knowledge “ (Ar Rum: 22)

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“ The practice of town and country planning in
any country is conditioned to a great extent by the
cultural, governmental, legal and constitutional
circumstances of that country, and to disentangle
these in order to transfer ideas from one country to
another beyond a superficial level is highly a
complex business.

It is possible to learn something of planning.... by

observation and sightseeing.... but appreciation of
what is observed is likely to remain superficial unless
the observer has an understanding of the processes
by which particular solutions are achieved, the
agencies involved and the political influences on
them.

Without this background understanding, successful

transfer of ideas in many aspects of planning is not
likely to be possible.”

William RH (1984; p 5) Planning in Europe, George Allen & Unwin Ltd,

New York