National Planning Day

A person with glasses, holding a clipboard, wearing a plaid shirt, in a bustling office setting.. — National planning day illustration

Hey there, planner extraordinaire! Get ready to schedule in some fun because today we're celebrating National Planning Day!

When is Planning Day?

It's national planning day on the 11th September.

A Brief History of National Planning Day

From meticulously color-coded calendars to complex to-do lists, planning has become an art form in the digital age. But how did National Planning Day come to be?

Believe it or not, it all started back in 1998 when a group of super organized individuals decided to honor the planners, schedulers, and dreamers who keep our lives running smoothly. They wanted to give credit to those special souls who color-coordinate their sock drawers and plan their meals for the week. And thus, National Planning Day was born!

Since then, this day has been cherished by people all over, as it provides an opportunity to celebrate the joy of organizing, whether it's planning a project, mapping out your dream vacation, or even figuring out the perfect order of your Netflix binge-watching lineup. So grab your highlighters, set your reminders, and join the festivities!

How to Celebrate National Planning Day

Planning enthusiasts unite! National Planning Day offers a chance to dive headfirst into organizing and scheduling. Here are a few delightful ways to celebrate:

De-clutter your workspace and create an organized oasis for maximum productivity.
Create a detailed plan for a vacation or staycation and let your wanderlust run wild (even if it's just in your imagination).
Host a planning party with loved ones and exchange tips and tricks for managing schedules and to-do lists.
Challenge yourself to plan your day down to the minute and see if you can stick to it! (Disclaimer: flexibility is key here).
Get crafty and make your own planner or bullet journal.
Plan a romantic date night for you and your partner. Who says planning can't be romantic?

Did You Know?

Did you know that some planning enthusiasts even have a term for the joy they feel when everything is perfectly organized? They call it "planner peace." It's that magical moment when all your plans align, and everything feels right with the world. So embrace your inner planner and strive for that elusive planner peace!

History behind the term 'Planning'

1765

The birth of urban planning

The origins of the term 'planning' can be traced back to the 18th century when the concept of urban planning emerged. In 1765, the French architect and urban planner Jean-Baptiste-Antoine Lassus coined the term 'urbanisme' to describe the systematic arrangement and development of cities. This marked the beginning of a new approach to city design and development, emphasizing the need for thoughtful organization and foresight.

1898

The rise of comprehensive planning

In the late 19th century, urban planning took a significant leap forward with the advent of comprehensive planning. The term 'planning' gained broader recognition in 1898 when it was used by the American architect and urban theorist Daniel Burnham. Burnham popularized the idea of comprehensive planning as a means to address the challenges of rapid urbanization and promote social harmony. His visionary plan for the city of Chicago, commonly known as the Burnham Plan, became a landmark in the history of urban planning.

1943

The birth of regional planning

During the 20th century, the scope of planning expanded beyond individual cities and encompassed regional planning. In 1943, the influential British town planner Patrick Abercrombie introduced the term 'town and country planning' in his report titled 'A Plan for the City & County of Kingston upon Hull.' This marked the recognition of the importance of coordinating development across a wider area and considering the interdependencies between urban and rural areas.

1950s

Post-war planning and modernist influences

The post-World War II era witnessed a surge in planning activities, particularly in the reconstruction of war-damaged cities. Planning became an essential tool for rebuilding and reshaping urban environments. In the 1950s, influenced by modernist ideas, planners embraced concepts such as functionalism, zoning, and the separation of land uses. This period saw the rise of large-scale urban renewal projects intended to modernize cities and improve living conditions.

1960s

Critiques and the emergence of participatory planning

The 1960s marked a turning point in planning philosophy, with a growing recognition of the need for citizen participation and inclusivity. Critics of conventional planning practices argued for greater community involvement in decision-making processes. Concepts such as advocacy planning and participatory planning gained traction, aiming to empower local communities and ensure their voices were heard in shaping the future of their neighborhoods.

2000s

Sustainable planning and smart cities

In recent years, planning has increasingly focused on sustainability and the concept of smart cities. With the pressing challenges of climate change and resource scarcity, planners have been advocating for environmentally friendly and socially equitable development. The integration of technology and data-driven approaches has also given rise to the concept of smart cities, where digital innovations help enhance efficiency, livability, and quality of life.