The Dallas Center for the Performing Arts achieves an impressive collection of architectural icons but fails to tie them together with inviting outdoor spaces for the public, says Jared Langevin.
Langevin checks out the outdoor spaces at the AT&T Center for the Performing Arts, which opened in Dallas in October. One of his criticisms was the decision to run a series of auto-oriented streets right through the new public spaces:
"If a large part of the initial intent behind the Center was to create dynamic new outdoor urban spaces for Dallas, this goal was nullified the second that it was decided to allow car traffic into the heart of this site. Yes, the planners have attempted to soften the roads by varying material colors and textures, but this has done little to disguise the reality that these surfaces are rough, hot, and ultimately designed for cars instead of humans. Worse yet, the roads required that awkward metal barriers be installed along the boundaries of each individual building site, ensuring that each respective building would be further separated from the others by distinct visual edges."
Thanks to Jared Langevin
FULL STORY: 5 Frustrating Things about the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts

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

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.

Since Zion's Shuttles Went Electric “The Smog is Gone”
Visitors to Zion National Park can enjoy the canyon via the nation’s first fully electric park shuttle system.

Trump Distributing DOT Safety Funds at 1/10 Rate of Biden
Funds for Safe Streets and other transportation safety and equity programs are being held up by administrative reviews and conflicts with the Trump administration’s priorities.

German Cities Subsidize Taxis for Women Amid Wave of Violence
Free or low-cost taxi rides can help women navigate cities more safely, but critics say the programs don't address the root causes of violence against women.
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