The author considers one of the most relevant theoretical problems of urban planning - philosophical and scientifi c methodology of research. The tasks of research involve the analysis and identifi cation of the essence of systematic, synergistic, socio-humanistic, ecological and cybernetic approaches and their general academic signifi cance, particularly, in the fi eld of urban planning. The systematic approach. The unity of the technological system, the strategy of the system behavior, and the design consistency, etc. - these are the core constituents of new methods of technical thinking. If resolution of minor technological problems and development of small systems lead to differentiation of knowledge and to growing specialization of research, development of major systems leads to integration and synthesis of knowledge. This integration may be illustrated by the urban planning which incorporates design development, implementation, testing and operation of multi-component systems. The synergеtic approach. The synergеtic approach is employed to study the urban environment and culture as well as their development. It encompasses the phenomena which are considered by the systematic approach as unimportant or minor facts, namely, random connections, volatile relationships, brevity of their existence, spontaneity, etc. These phenomena are based on the fact that the urban community is heterogeneous; it is composed of multiple separate individuals and social groups. The socio-humanistic approach. Modern scientifi c theories are not not only to contribute to the analysis of the current situation, but also to contribute to the process of formation of the technical activity on the basis of the principle of humanism. Contemporary engineers fi nd a connection between technical components and processes with non-technical ones, including human factors, organizational structures, socio-cultural processes, etc. The ecological approach. Further development of technologies, namely, construction-related technologies, should be based on the understanding of their nature as self-suffi cient values and follow the laws of the social ecology to improve the environment and to avoid numerous anthropogenic and environmental disasters. Therefore, before any urban planning project is implemented, each environmental consequence is to be considered in relation to man and society. The cybernetic approach. Any contemporary activity in the fi eld of technology, including urban planning, should be based on the management principles developed within the framework of sociology, including social foresight, social prediction, social planning and social technologies. In contrast to many other sciences, which succeed in the sphere of methodology of research, urban planning does not always meet up-to-date requirements. The author believes that there is a need of adherence to the above methods in urban planning. The author argues that the result of their application at the stage of urban design will substantially reduce any negative effects at the stage of construction and operation of technical facilities.