Urban planner James Rojas takes his public participation concept to Avondale, Arizona, encouraging people to be part of the urban design process through pipe cleaners, Legos and Tinkertoys.
Participating Avondale residents came up with competing visions that emphasized the aspects of their community that they'd like to see encouraged.
Aurora Gonzales, for instance, designed the town to be "heavy on relaxation, giving people a place to gather, to talk and reminisce. She feels it is the direction Old Town is heading," writes reporter David Madrid.
Others wanted to see small businesses encouraged, or a focus on education.
FULL STORY: Avondale residents, business owners join to create ideal communities
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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.
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Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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