A reading of the characteristics of infrastructural Mega-projects and doubts about their role in the realization of urban and regional development

Subject Areas : Urban planning

zahra shahnoosh forooshani ¹ , Morteza Hadi Jaberi Moghaddam ²

1 - M.Sc. In Urban Management, Department Of Urban And Regional Planning, University Of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2 - Associate Professor, Department Of Urban And Regional Planning, University Of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

Received: 2023-10-10 Accepted : 2023-11-14 Published : 2024-06-20

Keywords: Mega-projects, benefit shortfalls, Economic Growth, phronetic research, cost overruns,

Abstract :

Commonly, the development and prosperity of cities و regions and nations are believed to hinge on the planning , execution and number of infrastructure mega-projects led by governments, managers and planners. In our current study, we adopt a contextual and inspiring approach and employ the "phronetic" research method. We focus on the extensive body of works by one of the foremost theorists in the field of mega-project planning , who has produced different and innovative insights in recent years. Our objective is to understand and explore the relationship between city and regional development, prosperity, and infrastructure mega- project. Referring to Bent Flyvbjerg's theory , researches and works regarding infrastructural mega-projects and their characteristics, we aim to shed light on the realities and some dark sides of these projects. Mega-projects typically consume a significant portion of budgets and public resources and are often touted for their anticipated benefits and advantages prior to construction. However, our study reveals that only a small fraction of these projected benefits are realized. In some cases, these projects even yield outcomes contradictory to their original goals. Nonetheless, the persistent desire of many political leaders and planners to pursue such projects can be interpreted from various political, economic and even technical perspectives. In the context of Iranian planning, where these dynamics are particularly pertinent, understanding the true nature of mega-projects becomes essential. This awareness can serve as a foundation for reevaluating the approach to prioritizing and undertaking such projects at both the city, regional and national levels.

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