This paper questions the relevance of the contemporary urban planning and design paradigm. It suggests that current planning and design’s Cartesian, positivist paradigm is unsuitable for the twenty-first century’s urban dynamic. It proposes that urban planning and design should rather reinvent itself to align with a ‘quantum’ paradigm. To further this argument, a quantum approach is explored by investigating some salient concepts from quantum physics, epigenetics, and double-elliptical geometry; these are then juxtaposed with selected architectural and planning thoughts and practices. Remarkable convergences are identified. These are proposed as ‘new’ principles for application in planning and design. Time is proposed as a multi-dimensional phenomenon that influences the way we plan the future quite substantially. The way we view time determines the clarity of the quantum approach. Lastly, suggestions for a Quantum Planning Paradigm are proposed.