This study discusses the complexity of the concept of urban transformation
and urban change in planning history by focusing on the urbanization
processes. The purpose of this study is to resolve the changes in theory and
practice of urban transformation, and to reconsider diversified approaches
in urban transformation by explaining it in an inter-disciplinary manner.
Therefore; the objective of this study is threefold: (1) to explain conceptual
evolution of urban transformation in planning history with reference to
paradigm shifts, (2) to categorize theoretical developments and changes of
urban transformation in planning theory, (3) to mark the spatial
manifestation of urban transformation in planning practice. In view of that,
a typology on the periods related with urban transformation is characterized
by evaluating paradigm shifts in planning history by means of historical
analysis. In conclusion, similarities and differences regarding theories and
practices of urban transformation are debated as well as the possibilities
and opportunities in advanced studies on urban transformation are
proposed.
There is a complexity within the concept of urban transformation, in that
planning history encapsulates the issues of urban development, urban
change and urban conservation.