The Role of an Urbanist

The term urbanist, as described by Alain Bertheau, emphasizes a problem-solving approach to urban planning rather than traditional planning methods. Rather than dictating design and development for a city, an urbanist views themselves as a 'city doctor' who identifies issues affecting urban living, such as housing affordability and traffic congestion. This perspective allows them to focus on practical solutions tailored to the specific challenges of a city, recognizing the importance of addressing existing problems rather than imposing a predetermined type of urban structure. The goal is to work collaboratively with city stakeholders to foster environments that naturally evolve to meet the needs of their populations.