United Kingdom
Heathrow to Get Third Runway
Plans to build a controversial new runway at London's Heathrow International Airport have been approved.
The New York Times
In Protest, Greenpeace Buys Runway Land
Environmentalists have stalled the development of a third runway at Heathrow Airport by buying the land first.
CNN
Liverpool's Transformative Year of Culture
As Liverpool ends its year as the European Union's "Capital of Culture", the city is vastly different and better than it was just a year ago, according to this column.
Financial Times
Planning Regulations Out the Window in U.K.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has decided that the need for new homes is greater than the need to protect the environment in Britain, and is preparing to sweep away planning regulations across the country that limit building in undeveloped areas.
The Times U.K.
Rebounding Architecture Revives Paris
Architecture flourishes in either Paris or London, but not both at the same time, according to Tom Dyckhoff. Now it's Paris' turn.
The Times
Planned Eco-City in China Stumbles
Dongtan eco-city was to be a community of 50,000 residents living in a utopian, eco-friendly development. But since the mayor of Shanghai, a big supporter, was arrested on fraud charges, the whole project may be dead in the water.
The Christian Science Monitor
The Case Against San Francisco's Congestion Pricing Plan
In this op-ed, "San Francisco is not London", Steve Falk, the CEO of the S.F. Chamber of Commerce, explains why London-style congestion pricing is inappropriate for the downtown core - that it would only hurt businesses without reducing congestion.
San Francisco Chronicle
Prince of Wales Says 'Green' Architecture Does Not Have To Be Modernist
Prince Charles makes a case for the commercial viability of green housing with traditional design, as opposed to the modernist styles typically associated with the future of low carbon homes.
Building Design
Recycling Through Underground Tubes
London's Wembley City development is the proud owner of the first automated waste collection system in the U.K. Recycling or garbage are deposited in bins, then sucked underground, eliminating the need for trucks or garbage collectors.
Building
UNESCO on UK's Back for Indadequate Preservation
UNESCO's World Heritage Committee has issued the UK a warning that it must start doing a better job of preserving its heritage sites. A number of development projects have gotten the green light without any consultation from the committee.
Architectural Record
Duany Not a Fan of Modern British Architecture
Architect Andres Duany spoke in front of architects on Tuesday, pointing out 50 years of mistakes made by architects and planners in the UK.
The Guardian (UK)
Dublin the Number of Taxis Was a Mistake
With thousands more licensed taxis than New York City, Dublin Ireland is facing a glut of idle cabs.
The Globe and Mail
Greener London Ahead
The mayor of London has announced plans to make the city greener than ever. He stated that opportunities abounded not just for emissions reduction, but for green job creation as well.
Guardian (UK)
London Mayor Cuts Cycling Funds
London mayor Boris Johnson is facing backlash for withdrawing money from bike route funds to rephase traffic lights, among other things. The move is less than effective for making London a "true cycling city," say critics.
Guardian (UK)
London Blitz, Redux
A combination of economic crises and a tax code based on square footage rather than rentals is encouraging a raft of demolitions that is leaving parts of London looking like it's been bombed again.
The Globe and Mail
London Becoming a Bike City
Cycling is on the rise in London, where thousands of commuters fill the streets every morning and the number of trips has more than doubled since 2000.
The Times
A Biofueled Car- That Flies?
The Skycar is a combination parasail, swamp boat and dune buggy. Sponsored by a British knight and arctic adventurer, the design team is planning an expedition from London to Timbuktu in January of 2009.
autobloggreen.com
The Popularity of 'Boring' Architecture and Planning
In a professional critique of his master plan for the new town of Poundbury in England - one of the first new towns under Prince Charles' Foundation for the Built Environment - Leon Krier reveals that the plan was 'meant to be boring'.
bd
Parks Are Good For Your Health
Researchers in Scotland have concluded that areas without parks and green space have an increased risk of death and illness.
BBC News


















