This book offers a comprehensive and analytically grounded exploration of urban planning, examining the interaction between theoretical foundations and practical application in the development of cities. It traces the evolution of planning thought from early urban forms to contemporary planning systems, highlighting how historical experience continues to inform modern spatial decision-making. The book explores the structural elements of cities and the principles that guide the organisation of urban space, housing, movement, and the built environment.

The discussion focuses on planning as a multidisciplinary practice shaped by social needs, economic forces, environmental considerations, and governance frameworks. Attention is given to local development processes, residential arrangements, and collective living models that influence urban sustainability and social cohesion. The book also examines the planning of transport networks and landscape design as essential components of functional and liveable cities. By integrating conceptual analysis with applied perspectives, the book provides a balanced understanding of how planning theory translates into practice. It is intended for students, researchers, planners, and policymakers seeking an internationally relevant and academically rigorous introduction to the principles, challenges, and evolving practices of urban planning in contemporary societies.