A Comprehensive Guide to Participatory Methods in Urban Planning

Urban planning paradigms have dramatically evolved from structured, top-down approaches to more collaborative, technologically informed, and sustainable models. Despite the emergence of different theories and paradigmatic changes, the orchestration of effective participative processes remains challenging due to factors such as the great diversity of tools, methods, processes, and theories. This article examines a range of participative methods within urban planning, classifying them according to type, aim, and expected outcomes to address their strategic application across the urban project lifecycle. Drawing from a diverse literature review, a decision-making chart and a cross-reference table are presented, offering practitioners and researchers a framework for aligning collaborative methods with specific urban project phases to help them design contextually adapted participative processes. This approach aims to provide clarity and direction in the increasingly complex urban planning ecosystem.