Environment
The Problem With Skyscrapers
Michael Mehaffy writes that there is growing research that paints a decidedly mixed picture on the benefits of tall buildings.
Questions of Salmon and Energy in Western Rivers
Plans to use western rivers to transport oil production equipment are butting against environmentalists' concerns over endangered salmon.
Into the Anthropocene
The mark of human civilization will last long after humans go extinct, according to this article looking at the anthropocene, or the age of humankind.
The Importance of Cities to the World
Neal Peirce expounds on the increasing power and importance of cities, a dominant message in the new book "Triumph of the City" by economist Edward Glaeser.
Solar Roads: The Next Revolution in Solar Power
A prototype bike path is being built in Amsterdam. When complete, it will combine the best aspects of earth-friendly transportation and eco-friendly energy, say the project's developers.
Preparing New York City for Extreme Weather Events
Climate change and sea level rise are expected to increase the amount of major storm events worldwide. For coastal parts of New York City, the effects could be catastrophic. The city is trying to plan now for the storms to come.
"Urban Sprawl is Finished," Claims Author of Australian Study
The Planning Institute of Australia released a report that predicts a grim future for Australia's suburbs, unless the government moves to radically overhaul its transport and urban policies.
Protecting Water Security in the Chicago Area
Regional water issues are of major concern in many parts of the world. The Chicago area is especially sensitive to water. New efforts are underway there to help preserve a threatened resource.
All That We Share: An Interview with Jay Walljasper
What, as a society, do we share? Natural resources? Internet access? Public space? Jay Walljasper and the nonprofit On the Commons cross political boundaries to advocate for the common good and all that we share.
Leonardo DiCaprio Visits the 1st Green Affordable Housing Project in the U.S.'
Leonardo DiCaprio accompanied architect Lawrence Scarpa to report on the project and to discuss the rationale behind this type of low-income housing development.
Farming the Subdivision
Agricultural spaces are increasingly being included in housing developments.
EPA to select 20 communities for Sustainability Program
Interested communities are invited to apply until February 23, 2011. The purpose of the program is to help interested communities adopt sustainable planning methods.
More Evidence that City Living is the Greenest
Ever since David Owen's book Green Metropolis pushed forward the idea that cities are better for the planet, people have been debating if it's really so. New evidence says yes.
Religious Freedoms vs. Land-Use Laws
A Vermont couple is challenging the decision of a state zoning commission that limits their right to illuminate a 24 foot cross on their own property to several weeks around Christmas.
Religious Freedoms vs. Land-Use Laws
A Vermont couple is challenging the decision of a state zoning commission that limits their right to illuminate a 24 foot cross on their own property to several weeks around Christmas.
Andres Duany Says LEED and Optimization Driving Up Costs
Speaking at the New Partners for Smart Growth Conference last week, Duany said that he fears developers will give up on building sustainably because of overly onerous infrastructure costs required by LEED and other systems.
Wind Power An Added Perk of Bridge Design
A team of Italian architects have proposed a honeycomb-like design for a viaduct that would include built-in wind turbines.
A Community Built to be Green
The Vauban District in southern Germany is a small community built around a green transportation scheme, but it has become much more: a model of cooperative decision-making, sustainability and eco-planning.
Groundwater Management A Looming Disaster for California
Of all the environmental problems facing California, depletion of its groundwater may be the most important according to this piece.
Seeking an Example of Sustainable Urbanism in Seattle
Seattle has the political momentum behind sustainable urbanism, but it doesn't seem to have a physical neighborhood example of how sustainable urbanism can work, according to this article.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
