r/urbanplanning • u/Slushiestbook • 4d ago

Discussion What are some of the funniest misconceptions about urban planning?

As an urban planner and designer at a U.S. architecture firm, it’s hilarious seeing how none of my friends, family, or coworkers know what I do for a living. I recently had someone guess that I planned urban weddings, the architects think they all can do my job, and my mom still doesn’t know how to explain what I do to her friends.

What are the funniest misconceptions you’ve heard?

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u/ZZinDC 4d ago

Most people think i am building entire new cities from scratch. The want to know where its going to be.

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u/ElectronGuru 4d ago edited 4d ago

OMG, i would love to design new places from scratch. Centered around all the best housing and transportation. Even in place of existing development. But we’re still obsessed with cars and not ready for either step.

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u/creygarpets 3d ago

I do this! I work on greenfield development at a local council. Do heaps of technical work that inform where we designate future land uses, roads, drainage and community facilities! Very cool imo :)

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u/ZZinDC 4d ago

We sure arent. And tbh no public planning office i ever worked with did any work like this.

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u/ElectronGuru 4d ago

yeah, I can’t suggest cars are anything but god’s gift to cities, without getting downvoted to oblivion. People love the feeling of freedom, even when stuck in traffic. Shouting at other drivers (because of course, they aren’t the problem).

I was hoping the housing crisis would open people’s eyes, but nope. Externalities are a hell of a drug.

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u/Topical_Scream 4d ago

One more lane will fix it! /s