Bradley Archer, a long-time champion of New Urbanist principles, spends nearly every waking hour finding a way to get two, maybe three, uses out of everything.
At his desk, Archer moves about like a hummingbird, shuffling papers and sipping tea from his mug. He immediately cocks his head; an idea is born. He scoops up all of his stray pens and pencils with one hand, and with the other, guzzles the remainder of his drink. He then plunks all four writing utensils squarely into the mug, and quickly admires his work. Then he sets the mug on a stack of loose papers, which are in danger of being blown away by a gust from an open window behind his. Now satisfied, he prepares to go home.
At home, there is no break in his fascination with one thing having multiple uses, often at the same time, though sometimes not. "I stopped trying to reason with him ages ago," said Lisa, his wife. "He just can't stop mixing those uses!" With a lighthearted shrug, she shakes her head.
Meanwhile, Archer is unwinding in the living room. After a few silent moments, he empties a nearby trash can of its contents, and places it upside down. After he uses it as a footstool to reach for something on a tall shelf, he begins playing it like a bongo for several moments. Then he sits on it.
FULL STORY: Hardcore New Urbanist Can't Stop Mixing Uses

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie