Housing
Prefab Steel for Atlantic Yards Towers
The low-cost method of construction on the residential towers of the Atlantic Yards project would be a first for any structure this tall. Sixty percent of it would be constructed off-site at a 20% cost savings.
Planning's Limits and Strengths Identified at NYC Zoning Conference
Though held in recognition of zoning's 50th anniversary, the conference details future social, economic, and environmental challenges. Raymond Li reports on both the positive and negative points of discussion brought up on Tuesday.
The McMansion as Dorm
In Merced, California, students fill in the large homes chockablock with amenities and left vacant by a high foreclosure rate. Rents often go for under $300 a month.
Return of the "Flophouse"
Neal Peirce says its time to bring back the "rooming house" and other alternative housing options as an alternative to the single-family home.
Boston Area Cities Receive Smart Growth Funding
Each of the cities just north of Boston will use its federal funds however it sees fit to boost smart growth principles and local economic development.
Tysons Corner Comprehensive Plan Stymies Project
Citing the city's need for private dollars to contribute to $810 million in road improvements, developers of one residential development has indefinitely shelved its plans.
Occupy D.C.'s Urban Design Model
Evelio Contreras and Philip Kennicott film the Occupy movement transforming MacPherson Square into an urban hub, in one of Washington's central nodal points.
Muslim Community Drives New Redevelopment Project
In Mumbai, a tight-knit community of Ismaili Muslims are beginning work on their 16.5 acres redevelopment project. The cluster of land, which is said to be in the heart of the city's southern tip, is to be completed by 2017.
Mother-In-Law Apartments Are Good for the Economy
Accessory dwelling units, or in-law apartments, are gaining approval in greater numbers of communities.
Five Moves to Fix Boston's Housing Problem
In this post, John Keith suggests five methods to help Boston be more affordable to live in, including striking out the city's affordable housing program altogether.
The Secret to More Jobs isn't Home Creation, its Rehabilitation
Emily Badger of The Atlantic Cities explores the economic and environmental advantages of refurbishing old buildings over constructing new ones.
Dangerous, But Useful: Illegal Apartments
Illegal apartments present a quandary for the city of New York: they increase the danger of fire, but also provide needed shelter that couldn't be found elsewhere. Some experts think a path to legalization could work.
Apartments In East Harlem Left Empty for Decades
Revitalization has come to East Harlem, but a number of apartment buildings are left vacant by their owners until they can be turned over or the market recovers enough for higher rents.
Grim Figures for Areas of Concentrated Poverty
A new Brookings Institution report shows that places of concentrated poverty are getting worse due to unsustained growth nationwide and the suburbanization of poverty. Authors Elizabeth Kneebone and Alan Berube expound on the findings.
Apartments to be Razed for Athletic Complex
As part of a larger parks plan, one Atlanta suburb wants to use its bonds to build a sports complex where housing already exists. Adding to the controversy, the idea doesn't seem to have gone through a proper public review. Melissa Weinman reports.
12 Ultra Modern Home Designs
The Web Urbanist counts down twelve of the best ultra modern home designs with a descriptive slideshow.
Cuba Legalizing Private Residential Property
According to Cuba's state-run newspaper, Cubans will be able to buy and sell residential property starting November 10. Damien Cave reports on the "excitement and fear" involved in the creation of a housing market and the future of the cities.
Amsterdam Has Gentrification Problems Too
A new film, "Creativity and the Capitalist City: The Struggle for Affordable Space in Amsterdam", explores the issue of gentrification in the city. polis has a review.
Are Americans Ready to Live in Smaller Homes?
As the world population reaches 7 billion some U.S. builders are working on smaller, compact homes.
Density with Variety
David Baker Architects latest public housing project in Oakland, California shows that high-density living can be attractive and feature a variety of housing types, writes Allison Arieff.
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.
KFH Group Inc.
Greater Baltimore Committee
Eagle County Government
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
