Straddling the Post-Structuralist Abyss: Between Transcendence and Immanence?

Abstract

Against a background of socio-economic change, planning practitioners are struggling to embrace the various processes of transformation of structures and practices in meaningful ways. Theorists, in turn, are struggling to come to terms with these practice transformations. Whilst many theorists would accept the need for dynamic, relational approaches there is strong debate about the meanings and implications of new theory. Tensions may arise from fundamental differences between transcendental and immanent frames: practice and theory seek immanence, yet are caught in remnants of transcendence. I explore the potential of Deleuze and Guattari's concept of 'becoming' as creative experimentation. I conclude that planning may involve a transcendental structure immanent in its practical local expressions; and that theorizing could benefit from ' becomingplanning'.