Applying Lacanian Insight and a Dash of Derridean Deconstruction to Planning’s ‘Dark Side’

Abstract

The critique of planning’s ‘dark’ side has been a theme of both modern and postmodern perspectives. While a great deal of anecdotal and empirical evidence exists that highlights how planning can be, and has been, used for nefarious ends there are few theoretical insights or understandings of the role of different actors, institutions or processes. This article provides a critical analysis of the notion of ‘dark side’ from a Lacanian and Derridean perspective. A short case study of the use of planning for what would broadly be regarded as ‘dark’ ends highlights a number of issues, particularly through engagement with Lacanian theory, which provides a useful theoretical framework for further research into the misuse of planning.