We discuss two different approaches for the analysis of the Poisson and of the non-homogeneous biharmonic equations in two dimensions. The first approach yields the solution as an integral in the complex $z$-plane (the physical plane), involving explicitly the given boundary conditions. The second approach yields an integral in the complex $k$-plane (the Fourier plane), involving the Fourier transforms of the given boundary conditions. For simple boundary value problems, such as certain problems formulated in the half complex plane, the first approach is easier. However, for more complicated problems, such as those formulated in the interior of an equilateral triangle, it appears that only the second approach can be used. Furthermore, the second approach also seems more efficient for numerical computations.