Europe
Protected Territory List Disappoints Environmentalists And Investors
As part of its entrance into the European Union, Bulgaria was required to submit a list of territories it wanted to have protected. The list has fallen short of environmentalists' hopes, and gone too far in the minds of landowners and investors.
Moving A City
A Swedish town is being forced to relocate as decades of mining have compromised the bedrock on which the town was built. The relocation of the city's entire housing stock, public buildings, town center, and rail line is projected to cost billions.
Romanian County Seeks Stake In Dracula's Castle
A county in Central Romania has expressed interest in purchasing the castle used by the 15th Century medieval ruler who inspired the tale of "Dracula" -- seeing the castle as an opportunity to increase tourism in the Eastern European country.
Innovation Where The Sun Don't Shine
An Italian village that once spent almost three months of each year in the shadows of a nearby mountain has turned to technology to provide sunlight during its annual spell of darkness. A huge sun-tracking mirror now reflects light onto the village.
The Malling Of The Champs-Elysees
With some of the most expensive real estate in the world, chain stores are now dominating the famed Champs-Elysees. Government officials in Paris are developing plans to counter the prevalence of corporate outlets, but some fear it may be too late.
As Plans For Europe-Africa Rail Link Develop, U.S. Lags
Plans for a long-imagined underwater high speed rail line connecting Europe and Africa emphasizes the comparative lack of rail development in the United States.
Rome's Subway Dig 'Slowed Down By The Past'
As Rome tries to provide transit options for its millions of residents and visitors, city planners and preservationists have struck a delicate balance between providing modern transportation and acknowledging the city's rich buried history.
Dracula's Castle For Sale
The family in Bucharest, Romania that owns Bran Castle -- famous for its connection to the 15th century medieval ruler who inspired "Dracula" -- plans to sell the fortress to local authorities for $78 million.
Germany's Robot Rail Taxi
A German engineer has developed small, individually-powered rail cars which he hopes to put into use on the country's old railroad tracks. The systems is a new fusion of trains and taxis, operating automatically for on-call use by small groups.
Dublin Planner Has Big Plans For Irish Capital
City Planner Dick Gleeson has his sights set high for the city of Dublin, Ireland, proposing a remodeling of the city by 2016. His plans include everything from increased open space and bike paths to continued economic development to curb sprawl.
Auto Emissions In Europe Increasing Along With Sprawl
In Europe, vehicular emissions are increasing while emissions from industry and the population growth rate decline. More people throughout the world are driving, especially in those countries where the "newly rich" enjoy their new mobility.
The Most Expensive City For Housing In Eastern Europe
Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, is widely believed to be the most expensive city in which to buy a house in eastern Europe. Prices have seen a major surge in the last few years, with some prices increasing by up to 25% in the last two months.
The Debate Over Berlin's Tempelhof Airport
Though hemmed in by urban development and eclipsed by the city's other two airports, plans to close down Tempelhof continue to meet resistance.
Pedestrians Versus Motorists In Paris
Plans for making Paris a greener and more pedestrian friendly city are infuriating motorists in the city.
A Green, Car-Free, Family-Friendly Neighborhood In Germany
The Vauban neighborhood on a former military base in Freiburg, Germany was not designed around the automobile. In fact, some streets are too narrow for them. And unlike much of Europe, this is a city made to accommodate young families with children.
Planning And Preservation In St. Petersburg, Russia
A new report from The Classical City, a journal dedicated to preserving St. Petersburg, Russia, describes the destructive effects of the city's new plan and calls for architecture that is consistent with the city's character.
Paris Says No More Clothing Stores On Champs Elysées
The city's commercial planning committee rejected an application from Swedish retailer H&M, saying the famous boulevard -- already home to major clothing retailers -- needs less shops and more cinemas, restaurants and cafes.
Affordable Housing By Ikea
The Swedish furniture retailer is expanding its market to include ready-made and modestly-sized homes. Already selling well in Scandinavia, the homes are part of a new plan to address Britain's affordable housing shortage.
Controlled Chaos In Transportation Planning
As an apparently successful experiment, several European cities are doing away with traffic signs in hopes that drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists will interact in a free and humane way.
New Rules May Allow Sunday Shopping On Champs-Élysées
Rules may soon be changing along the Champs-Élysées in Paris, allowing more shops to open for business on Sundays -- a day the country traditionally sets aside for rest.
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.
Greater Baltimore Committee
Eagle County Government
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
Journal of the American Planning Association
