World

Columnist Frank Gruber seeks to define an urbanism separate from New Urbanism, Post-Urbanism, and 'Everyday' Urbanism: what he calls "Cityism."

Citing the important role they tend to play in storylines, the Architects' Journal lists off the top 10 cities from comic books.

While it didn't transform personal mobility and lead to the redesign of urban areas, the Segway has found some unexpected forms of popularity.

Fountains are highly effective at attracting shoppers, say retail operators REIT Macerich. Their annual survey of 7,000 shoppers says that shoppers connect fountains with a positive shopping experience.

In this review of James Lovelock's new book "The Vanishing Face of Gaia", Alexander Zaitchik explains the author's view that, while nothing can be done to stop climate change, there is reason to believe that some form of civilization will survive.

As oil prices rise, so does the cost of asphalt. Concrete, historically more expensive, is now becoming a viable cost competitor. Because of its lighter shade, its also been shown to contribute less to climate change.

The Infrastructurist offers four case studies of cities that have removed highways. The result: less congestion.

The New Economics Foundation's "Happy Planet Index" shows that Costa Ricans use fewer resources and lead happier lives than the rest of the world.

World Watch magazine's "Vital Signs" section highlights global bicycle production and documents trends in cycle transportation, noting effects of energy costs and commodity prices.

Winners have been announced in an open competition to design what could become a permanent, sea-based, autonomous living facility.

Steve Mouzon explains how to think about cities and towns as living species, and how that perspective should guide the practice of planners and architects.

A new device called LightLane attaches to the back of your bike and projects a virtual bike lane behind you.

This post from Treehugger compares subway fares from around the world.

The Transition Town movement has spread to 150 towns in 14 countries. David Bollier of On The Commons takes a look at how these towns are making the shift towards locally-produced food and reduction in energy use.

The Florida Keys are likely the most vulnerable places to sea-level rise in America. Despite this danger, officials there have set no plans for counteracting or dealing with climate change.

Already a national leader in green building and looking to expand its leadership, the Los Angeles Community College District is launching several collaborative efforts to train a new, green workforce.

Anne Schwartz compiles recent studies on the economic value of parks, describing how an investment in parks by the city will result in a healthier urban economy.