The challenges faced by our generation with respect to the environment
and the resource situation, are only to a small extent reflected in t
he planning theory literature. In this article, synoptic, incremental,
transactive, advocacy and radical planning theories are discussed in
light of criteria for a sustainable development. All the five planning
models have major shortcomings from the standpoint of a sustainable d
evelopment. If the aim is to plan for a sustainable society, it seems
as, depending on the concrete planning situation, elements from severa
l of the planning theories should be combined.