Regional Planning METU Middle East Technical University

Overview

Key Features

In the Regional Planning Program from METU Middle East Technical University the aims of the planning are defined as, to enable formation of a local/regional structure developed both in terms of social and economic conditions, with acceptable environmental quality and governed by democratic rules that lead development process. In order to achieve development of this structure, regulations should be defined consistent with four targets of planning. Viable economic structure with growth potential, learning capacity in order to adopt new circumstances and compete at international scale, liveable and sustainable environment and a governance system that enables the formation of links with external world and initiates development potential at local scale.

In order to reach these targets at local/regional scale there is need for planners. However, the planners should cope with different roles in the new regulation and governance system, in addition to their earlier functions. Planners should undertake the role of technician when they make research and give decisions on inter-relational aspects of development and space, and the role of mediator and negotiator during formulation of decisions on locality/ region by the different social groups. 

That is why the roles of planners change from decision making at spatial development, to provision of help to members of locality in order to integrate to the world system according to their choices and make sure that their living conditions are compatible with their priorities collectively defined. The regional Planning Programme is designed for educating manpower to take the responsibility of all these functions.