Utopianism and Planning

(source: Google Image, 2010)

Utopia is a term used to describe a perfect society, a human desire of a better place. It directly translates from Greek to mean ‘nowhere’, as utopias are often only theories, as opposed to real places. Attempts have been made worldwide to create these ideal societies through planning, but some of the most appropriate examples of utopianism can be found in literature. Examples by Sir Thomas More, New Zealander Samuel Butler, and Robert Owens help to define the meaning of utopianism, through ideas such as creation of new worlds, introduction of socialism, exclusion of existing world entities, and ultimately the happiness of people. These examples show how these are all important concepts in planning.

The utopian desire is caused by problems in the existing world, such as crime, greed, and poverty. A common feature of utopianism is the creation of a ‘new world’. Carey (1999) feels that the problem with most utopian theories is that the existing world must be destroyed in order for a new world to take its place. An easier way around this, such as in Sir Thomas Mores’ Utopia is to build the society in an imaginary land. Mores’ utopian project is set on a fictional island; to avoid the obvious problem of the existing world, despite being the cause for this expression for a new society. Although the concept of a new land in which to build a society is welcoming to planners, it is not possible. This impractical concept of building an entirely new society is one of the main features of utopias being defined as imaginary.

Utopianism is a very broad and unfocused term. The fact that it is an idea, leads it to have various different defining points, as all people think differently. Common features of utopian theories include socialism, the creation of a new world, the exclusion of existing entities, as well as the obvious want for human happiness. All of these features are very important concepts in planning. While a complete social reform is not always the best solution for a society, introducing aspects of socialism, such as the idea of citizens helping the community can be effective. The creation of a new world is imaginary, but the reasons for these imaginations are important for planning, as planning can help to eliminate the want for a whole new world, by improving the current one. This also ties in with the exclusion of existing entities, solely types of people. People that cause others to dream of utopias are obviously wanted to be excluded from them. It is believed that improving the happiness of a person’s surroundings will better them, and this is the most important concept of utopianism in planning, as planning is done for people.

Carey, J (1999), The Faber Book of Utopias, London, Faber.