An extensive profile of the recovering Iceland paints a picture of a place that is overthrowing its boom-time banker's persona and rebuilding on the unique strengths of its culture.
Reporter Jake Halpern pays a visit to a unique incubator in Iceland (that goes out of business soon after), but he still sees an interesting shift in perspective in the country:
"...despite the challenges that Icelandic entrepreneurs face, they do seem to share a genuine sense of relief that their nation had given up its vision of becoming an island of Porsche-driving, Armani-wearing financiers."
Many Icelanders Halpern talks to cling to their Viking culture and relish a chance to prove their survival skills.
"The real value of the economic crash, one young woman told me, was that 'people are rethinking, Who am I as an Icelandic person?'"
FULL STORY: Iceland’s Big Thaw
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For Advice on Accessibility, Look to Iceland
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
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Adaptive Reuse Will Create Housing in a Suburban Texas Strip Mall
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Study: Anti-Homelessness Laws Don’t Work
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In U.S., Urban Gondolas Face Uphill Battle
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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.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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