Beyond the professional–local knowledge dichotomy: Toward a new epistemology in urban planning

Knowledge in urban planning is typically categorized as either ‘professional’ or ‘local’, based primarily on the identity of the knower. We argue that this binary framework has become outdated due to shifts in planning and its broader societal context, and now hinders our ability to understand the role of knowledge and power–knowledge dynamics in planning processes. In its place, we propose an updated and expanded typology of planning knowledges, and a method for identifying them through discourse analysis. We also show how knowledge types, which are now wielded by diverse actors in varied discourse arenas, can no longer be associated exclusively with specific knowers, and often merge into novel hybrids – and consider how these changes impact power–knowledge dynamics. We aim to contribute to the development of a more nuanced and precise epistemology in planning, and hope our proposed framework enriches the understanding of researchers and practitioners alike.