Towards an object-oriented case methodology for planners. In T. Sanchez (ed), Planning knowledge and research

The purpose of this chapter is to argue for a case study methodology that is more responsive to the everyday needs of planning practitioners. Undoubtedly, no single or best way of doing planning research exists. Nonetheless, whatever methodology is selected should connect to the settings in which practitioners operate and reflect on the questions that they need answered. These two concerns push us toward a case methodology. An even stronger connection to practice can be established if greater attention is paid to the objects – housing units, wetlands, bus shelters, light standards – of planning. Although people and their various associations (e.g., city councils and business groups) are critical to planning effectiveness, they are not exclusively so. What will bring both planning practitioners and researchers more “into the world” is attention to the entanglement of social relations and material objects. This requires an object-oriented case methodology.