Arguing for the value of historic low and mid-rise, but also dense, areas of Brooklyn, Washington D.C., and New Orleans, Edward T. McMahon asks us to reconsider the pursuit of density as an end in itself, and the high-rise as its fullest expression.
As the land development pendulum swings back towards higher density development, from the low-density patterns of suburban sprawl, McMahon questions the common assumption made by developers and urban planners alike: "that density requires high rises: the taller, the better." Citing examples of cities and neighborhoods that achieve high levels of density without resorting to high-rises, and exhibit walkable human-scaled street level environments (which high-rises often do not), McMahon argues that, "we do not need to build thousands of look-a-like glass and steel
skyscrapers to accomplish the goals of smart growth or sustainable
development."
The recent debate about increasing height limits in Washington D.C. is just one example of a global struggle between "those who want to preserve
neighborhood integrity and those who want Trump towers and "starchitect"
skyscrapers."
"I love the skylines of New York, Chicago and many other high-rise
cities. But I also love the skylines of Washington, Charleston,
Savannah, Prague, Edinburgh, Rome and other historic mid- and low-rise
cities. It would be a tragedy to turn all of these remarkable places
into tower cities," writes McMahon.
FULL STORY: Density Without High-Rises?
ADU Results Fall Short of Intentions in D.C. Region
Accessory dwelling unit regulations vary but results are consistently underwhelming in the D.C. region.
Condo Development Controversy Goes Viral in Toronto
The controversy over a proposed eight-story condo development in Toronto embroiled author Margaret Atwood this week.
In Appreciation of Gentle Density
How does one talk about density without frightening people? One term that's floating around is "gentle density," referring to the missing middle between mid-rise and detached homes.
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.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie