One of the key differences between architecture and planning is that architects have a greater chance of seeing their project come to fruition. How many stories can you recall from planners who had really great ideas but the plan got shelved?
An architect produces a tangible blueprint that usually turns into a building within several years while a planner produces an extensive document that might or might not guide the development of a community. Zoning ordinances and comprehensive plans take much longer to be adopted in order to “show up” in the community. Often a plan consists of long range recommendations that are too generalized, quite the opposite of a building blueprint. Sometimes plans get abandoned in favor of multiple planned unit developments. The original vision of the plan gets lost over time as people come and go.
The key to getting the city to follow the plan and stick with it might have something to do with the delivery method. When solid recommendations are ignored, it is usually because the real impact isn’t understood. Working within the constraints of politics makes planning a messy businesses no matter how beautiful the graphics.
Marketing planning can be two fold. Firms can help municipal planners gain public support for the plan while differentiating themselves in the marketplace. This can be accomplished through traditional techniques of marketing services. Packaging services to deliver plans in the most user-friendly manner possible reinforces the brand and retains the plan’s vision to be implemented and tracked.
It is amazing how many architecture and planning firms have terribly designed web sites and marketing materials. Architects might not realize the stakes are really high since they are selling design! You might not realize how important image really is. For example, poor quality graphics on a web site unconsciously reinforce the quality of the service offered.
Augmented Reality (AR) technology merges virtual content with the physical world. Mobile devices can combine knowledge of where you are, what you are doing, and what information you need to augment the physical world around you with content for planning, education, and productivity.
There needs to be an easy way to capture what is said, transcribe it into words, and mind map it automatically. This might seem a little far fetched, but there are many time-saving benefits. This could be possible through a linked system using Requal > Evernote > Curio applications. Evernote has an API that syncs with Curio, and Requal can sync with Evernote. However, more research will be required to see if Curio could map something on-the-fly. Curio – Mind Mapping, Brainstorming, and Project Management Software
