Building owners and architects are coming up with innovative strategies to protect commercial buildings.
"In these times of terror attacks and the threat of war, building owners and tenants are learning how to hunker down without living in bunkers... Some security measures, available mainly in new construction, are invisible to tenants and visitors. For example, reinforced walls and stairwells provide for a "progressive collapse" in the event of a major blast. That way, even if some of the structure is blown away, other parts will remain standing.Other measures are apparent, including security cameras, checkpoints with metal- and chemical-detectors, guard patrols, and card-key or biometric scanners that limit access."
Thanks to Laura Kranz
FULL STORY: Can we keep our buildings safe without running scared ?

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?

Car Designs Make it Harder to See Pedestrians
Blind spots created by thicker pillars built to withstand rollover crashes are creating dangerous conditions for people outside vehicles.

Cal Fire Chatbot Fails to Answer Basic Questions
An AI chatbot designed to provide information about wildfires can’t answer questions about evacuation orders, among other problems.

What Happens if Trump Kills Section 8?
The Trump admin aims to slash federal rental aid by nearly half and shift distribution to states. Experts warn this could spike homelessness and destabilize communities nationwide.
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.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie