Abstract
Urban planning scholarship continues to confront the enduring tensions between modernist and postmodernist paradigms, yet comparative evaluations of their tangible impacts on urban form, social equity, and environmental sustainability remain limited. This study aims to address this critical gap by systematically examining the spatial and social implications of these divergent approaches. Utilizing a qualitative comparative case study methodology, the analysis focuses on two paradigmatic examples: Letchworth Garden City, an embodiment of modernist urbanism principles, and Downtown Beirut, a representation of postmodern urbanism. This study employs a qualitative comparative methodology grounded in theoretical discourse analysis and case study interpretation. Through a detailed investigation of spatial organization, social inclusivity, and ecological outcomes, the study elucidates each paradigm's distinct advantages and shortcomings. Findings indicate that modernist frameworks, exemplified by the Garden City model, are most effective when applied in new urban developments where comprehensive planning from a blank slate is feasible. Conversely, as illustrated by the Collage City concept, postmodernist approaches are better suited to existing urban contexts with rich historical identities, embracing complexity and layering. The study concludes that recognizing this contextual distinction is vital for advancing hybridized planning strategies that integrate the order and functionality of modernism with the pluralism and adaptability characteristic of postmodernism, thereby fostering equitable, resilient, and sustainable urban futures.