The new environmentalist

Abstract

This paper looks at the increasingly complex problems which face physical planners in the urban environment and considers the type of training required in the future for those who have to advise the government of the day on physical planning matters. Using the examples of planning problems which have been experienced in Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia, an analysis shows that they fall into three main categories: (a) physical problems (b) social problems, and (c) visual problems. It is considered that the conventional professionals do not possess the necessary basic training skills to deal with these problems as a whole, nor to discover the hidden opportunities. This is particularily relevant in the context of the growing 'green' debates which are becoming of increasing importance worldwide. As populations grow, the demand from pressure groups for scarce land resources will become more and more intensive. Singapore may face these problems because the government wishes to increase the population from 2 1/2 to four million. In conclusion it is considered that we shall need a new type of environmental planner in the future. This environmentalist should have a basic training in the earth sciences, the social sciences and the visual arts.