Using Kevin Lynch’s approach to analyzing the image of cities, Los Angeles County Planner Clement Lau explores Oakland and reveals a city that is quite different than it's public image.
How does the reality of a city measure up to the perceptions? That is what planner Clement Lau sought to find out when he recently visited Oakland with his family.
Using planner Kevin Lynch’s 5 Elements, Lau found a city with a rich architectural history and other elements that point to fertile ground for tourists to explore. Additionally, the elements, and the urban assets they reveal, point to a promising future.
“While Oakland may have its share of problems such as high crime and unemployment, I believe that we should also be aware of the many positives of the city. The aesthetics of Oakland is not often discussed, but after seeing what I have seen, I must conclude that beauty, hope, and strength are ever present in a city that is often belittled and hidden in the shadow of San Francisco.”
FULL STORY: The Image of Oakland
San Francisco Gets Lavish Urban Amenity—For Free
The new, privately financed Chase Center arena was designed with San Francisco's tech wealth in mind. It's a handsome addition to the Mission Bay neighborhood but pulls the Bay Area further away from its blue collar roots.
Homelessness Fuels a Backlash in California
The Golden State's ongoing homelessness crisis has residents on edge and is testing the limits of empathy in a state known for its liberal values.
A Whole Lane Devoted to Buses on Oakland, CA's Busiest Street
A bus-only lane on busy Broadway in Oakland, a section of the larger East Bay Bus Rapid Transit project, will get the red painted lane treatment.
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
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie