Europe
Reinventing Mobility in Detroit
PBS documents Detroit's attempts to overcome its history as "the Motor City" to create new ways of getting people around. Transit advocates play a big part in this preview, which includes renderings of projected transit options.
Complaints Grow Over Increasing "Ugliness" of Paris
A press conference was held in Paris to draw attention to the problem of "increasingly large and unsympathetic buildings" cropping up around the City of Lights.
Resort Planned in Russian Nature Preserve
Environmentalists in Russia are fuming over plans to construct a resort in the middle of a nature preserve near the 2014 Winter Olympics host city of Sochi.
Birth Rates Falling and Cities Failing
Birth rates are dropping across Europe, and some cities are on the verge of collapse because of it. Exhibit A: Hoyerswerda, Germany.
Will HSR Jobs Go Overseas?
Joan Lowy suggests that the Obama administration's claim that the high-speed rail initiative will create jobs overlooks the fact that the expertise is in Europe and Asia and foreign firms will likely be needed to develop HSR quickly.
The Density Game - On YouTube
Dan Zack, downtown development coordinator for Redwood City, CA, gave a 50-minute presentation on Delightful Density to a Palo Alto audience on Nov. 5. This 12-minute excerpt is composed of 17 buildings - get out your pencils and guess their density.
America's Spanish High Speed Rail Envy
Spain has rapidly developed high speed rail system, leaving many U.S. politicians -- including President Obama -- wondering how the U.S. can catch up. This article and video from PBS looks at the Spanish model.
Reopened Passenger Train Reconnects Balkans
A passenger train line across the Balkans had been closed for 18 years. As it reopens and reconnects the region to the rest of Europe, there are signs of improved relations in the war-torn region.
Hamburg's Manifesto Against the 'Creative Class'
A new manifesto is being circulated in Hamburg, Germany, where city officials have used the concept of the "creative class" to rebrand the city and lure in creative people. The resulting gentrification of the city has many locals upset.
French Carbon Tax Dead
France's highest court dealt an 'unexpected and embarrassing blow' to French President Nicolas Sarkozy by ruling his carbon tax, set to take effect on New Year's, unconstitutional on Dec. 30.
Tourism Flourishes Below Berlin
A group of historians and urban enthusiasts have developed a successful tourist organization that explores the underground structures and spaces of Berlin.
Russia's Population Growing for First Time Since 1995
The population of Russia is on the rise for the first time since 1995, according to Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.
Europe's 'Capital of Sleep' Extends Party Hours
After being accused of being party-unfriendly, Paris and other French cities have been officially allowed to keep their dance clubs open as late as 7 a.m.
Can Beauty Be Regulated?
Roger Scruton compares American and European ways of regulating aesthetics in buildings.
Perpetual Energy From Magnets
Steorn, an Irish company that claimed six years ago to have invented an engine that puts out more energy than it uses, finally presents a model of the technology for the public to see.
All You Need is Louvre
A war-battered town in Frances will be the site of a new extension of the venerable Louvre museum, and locals hope the addition of the cultural site will revive the struggling city.
Counting Bikes in Copenhagen
Streetsfilm reports from Copenhagen during the UN climate summit, looking at the city's innovative bicycle infrastructure, including a prominent bicycle counter next to a lane to inspire civic pride.
High-Speed Rail Flourishing in Europe
Five new connections opened just last week, including the Salerno to Torino line in Italy and a new section between Bruxelles and Amsterdam.
Scandinavian Cities Top European Green City Index
In a study released by Siemens AG and The Economist Intelligence Unit, Copenhagen tops the list of the greenest cities in Europe (out of a pool of 30 cities that were considered).
Let It Snow (But Not in Russia)!
Citing street sweeping costs, Moscow's mayor has said the city may start seeding the clouds to reduce snowfall.
Pagination
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont