Popular Mechanics

Worker in safety vest and white hard hat installing rooftop solar panel.

New Solar Capacity Outpaces New Fossil Fuels in the US

Solar energy still makes up just 5 percent of the nation’s energy mix, but could grow faster in coming years.

March 13, 2024 - Popular Mechanics

Historical plaque describing the Silver Bridge collapse in Point Pleasant, West Virginia.

The Spectre of Shoddy Infrastructure

How a mythical creature is keeping the historical memory of the Silver Bridge collapse alive.

October 1, 2023 - Popular Mechanics

Chinese Traffic-Straddling 'Bus' a Scam, Says Chinese State Media

Beware uncritical exuberance, especially the viral kind.

August 11, 2016 - Popular Mechanics

18 Unusual Examples of Landscape Architecture

Popular Mechanics features a slideshow of fantastic examples of landscape architecture, from Scotland's Garden of Cosmic Speculation to the Growth Chamber on the International Space Station.

August 13, 2010 - Popular Mechanics

Can Dimples Improve Fuel Efficiency?

A company called Fastskinz thinks so. They've created a vinyl car wrap based on the aerodynamic evidence from golf balls that an uneven surface creates less drag. Popular Mechanics puts the theory to the test.

May 12, 2009 - Popular Mechanics

Flood Forecasting Goes 3D

New modeling software could soon be available that would allow monitoring across the internet of flood levels in specific areas- like your backyard.

August 14, 2008 - Popular Mechanics

America's Worst Infrastructure Problems

Popular Mechanics offers a slide show of the nation's top 10 most pressing infrastructure problems needing urgent attention.

April 11, 2008 - Popular Mechanics

A Century Of Cars

Popular Mechanics takes a look back at the defining device of the 20th century -- the automobile.

January 8, 2001 - Popular Mechanics

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Websites

The best of the Internet—since 2002.

Top Apps

Planning apps for a brave new world.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

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.