Analysis of relation of power in the planning process of urban development projects. Case study: 17 shahrivar Street Tehran

In presented plans as urban projects, it can be generally seen that there is a considerable gap between goals, implementation actions and the nature of urban planning practice. Planning is not a linear process but a complicated process and involve a great number of actors. Planners, policy makers, urban managers need to act away from political vagaries. In administrative systems of countries such as Iran, up to down decision- making leads to reduction of other actors’ power in front of urban managing powers. This paper seeks to explore the various factors which affect the product of urban planning, factors which are connected to the structure of power in the project’s network. In order to analyze these factors and identify all of them as factors influencing the communication among the participants and decision-making process, several steps have been taken. Frist of all, Habermas and Foucault's theories were studied after that shortcomings and supplements of their theories beside the relation between networked society and urban planning were discussed. Ultimately, the quality enhancement plan of 17 Shahrivar street was examined.
Findings indicate that public participation in the planning process is drastically minimized and the legitimacy of the projects which must come from the views of all actors, is reduced. Moreover, in the enhancement quality of 17 shahrivar street project, conflicts have not already resolved and urban development mechanism cannot respond appropriately to the raised demands and the current unsatisfactory condition has provided the foundation in Tehran municipality to return to the previous condition.