Architecture
Disobedient Architect to Be Banned from Brooklyn
Brooklyn architect Robert M. Scarano Jr. has crossed Brooklyn's zoning laws too many times, and the city is making the case to ban him from submitting any plans. In the worst case, he put two apartment buildings in a location greenlighted for one.
Mega-Mansions Sprouting In L.A.
Despite the housing downturn, houses in excess of 20,000 square feet are still being built by the very wealthy — with no sign of a slowdown.
The Legacy of Brasilia
The Atlantic Monthly reviews a new book on architect Oscar Niemeyer and his work that- like the infamous city of Brasilia- "continues to enchant and appall students of architecture and urban planning."
Solar Home Overshadowed by New Construction: Is There a 'Right to Light'?
Planners in Saskatchewan, Canada encouraged the Schewes to build solar panels on their roof and go off the grid. Then they okayed a home next door that overshadowed the Schewes. Do homeowners have a 'right to light'?
Tornado Clears Way for LEED Platinum Building
The 5-4-7 Arts Center in Greensburg, Kansas gets a LEED platinum designation- evidence that the town, which was 95% destroyed by a tornado in May, 2006, is making good on its sustainable rebuilding plan.
British Intelligence Tells Planners to Keep Plans Secret
MI5 has requested that planners and architects keep some details of building designs top secret as part of the fight against terrorism.
Skylines Rising in New Global Cities
Cities across the world are rising higher and beefing up their skylines with high-profile skyscrapers. A building boom in emerging global cities has put a new face on the battle for the best skyline.
Lawrence Halprin Opines on Redesign of His Charlottesville Mall
Many of famed landscape architect Lawrence Halprin's optimistic 1970s public spaces are being updated and reconsidered. Historic preservationists fight back, but supporters say, "It's a living, breathing space, not a museum."
Big Box on a Diet
Big box stores are following their customers into downtowns, and stores like Circuit City and Target are retooling for density.
Visions of the Future
At the World Science Festival in New York, visions of future cities mix the usual Blade Runner-esque architecture with abundant greenery.
New 'Living Room' for Kansas City
Columnist E. Thomas McClanahan reviews a new public space in Kansas City, and finds a lot to like in the urban design.
Debating Architecture In Las Vegas
This article from the Las Vegas Sun asks whether siting two blatantly different architectural styles right next to each other is necessarily a bad thing.
Prefab Apartments Slated For Seattle
A local commercial property developer has built two prototype units and announced plans to erect a 62 unit complex -- claiming the factory built units will cost 15 percent less then traditional housing.
Earthquakes, Building Codes and the Politics of Architecture
Mark Kingwell observes the sharp -- and deadly -- contrast between shining Shanghai skyscrapers and the poorly-built prefab concrete structures in China's rural areas that proved to be deathtraps in the recent earthquake.
Pentagon Memorial Previews to Families
The Pentagon Memorial, dedicated to the 194 people killed at the Pentagon on Sept. 11th, opened today to families and journalists. Architects Julie Beckman and Keith Kaseman sought to evoke individual memories but express a collective whole.
Chicago's Michigan Avenue Endangered
One of Chicago's most famous streetscapes is threatened by proposed new towers.
Beyond the Bronze Fonz
Controversy continues in Milwaukee as another public art piece is revealed.
Coping With Vacant Big Boxes
To deal with the problem of vacant big-box stores that have proliferated across the country, one Milwaukee suburb is levying a fee on developers to help pay for demolition. Other cities are exploring similar options.
Container Condos Planned in Detroit
Developers in Detroit are planning a condominium project completely made out of used shipping containers. But city approval is needed before the project can move forward.
The Newest 'Made In China' Item: Hotels
Hotel operator Travelodge is planning to build pre-fabricated hotels in Shenzhen that can be assembled in locales in need of a short term boost in rooms -- such as Olympic host cities.
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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
Tyler Technologies
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
