Landscape Architecture
Proposed Pool Would Make an Olympic-Sized Play Area in the San Francisco Bay
The San Francisco Bay is usually an undesirable place to swim, except for a hearty few. A development proposal seeking assistance at the state level would add a pool to the Bay’s waters to make the idea of going for a swim more appealing.
Working With Nature, Not Against It
The concept of ‘natural capital’ calls on policymakers to consider the value of natural infrastructure, which can often improve climate resilience without expensive construction projects.
Planting More Trees to Protect and Save Lives
A new study estimates that more than a third of premature deaths from excessive heat can be prevented by planting more trees in cities.
Economic Benefits of New York City Parks
A new study by the Trust for Public Land identifies the benefits and fiscal impacts of public parks and open spaces in New York City.
Op-Ed: Houston’s Memorial Park Centers Nature, Connectivity
The Houston Chronicle editorial board calls the newly redesigned park a “transformative” project, urging state transportation officials to take note.
The Benefits of Walking in Urban Green Spaces
A new study by researchers in Virginia found that walking in a quiet urban setting with shade and greenery can significantly improve mood and reduce stress.
Harley Davidson Includes Community Park in Headquarters Revamp
Milwaukee is about to get a major community space upgrade thanks to one of its most recognizable hometown brands.
The Power of Urban Waterfronts
Humans' love of water makes waterways a particularly attractive urban amenity. Why did so many American cities let theirs languish?
What Is Defensive Urbanism?
If you’ve ever noticed a public bench split in half by a metal bar, or a series of seemingly ornamental boulders blocking the sidewalk under a high-rise overhang, you’ve seen what is often described as defensive urbanism or ‘hostile architecture.’
Road in D.C.’s Rock Creek Park to Stay Car-Free
The National Park Service has decided to make permanent a road closure that went into effect in April 2020.
A New Vision for Dallas’ Dealey Plaza
After decades of neglect, a team of designers reimagines the infamous plaza as a safe, vibrant, multimodal public space.
Winners of the 2022 American Society of Landscape Architects
The Society’s annual awards highlight projects focused on reconnecting communities to the landscape and creating healthy community spaces.
$100 Million to Help Fund Buffalo Bayou Expansion in Houston
Originally proposed in 2019, the Buffalo Park East Master Plan, which would extend Buffalo Bayou Park to the East End and Fifth Ward neighborhoods, is suddenly in high gear.
Cleveland Launches New Master Plan to Connect Downtown to Lake Erie
Dual, cooperating studies are underway in Cleveland to reimagine the connections between the city's downtown and lakefront.
Cool Planning for a Hotter Future
Global warming increases the importance of designing buildings and communities that are comfortable, efficient, and safe in hot conditions.
The Declining Appeal of Lawns
Long held as a symbol of middle-class success and the American Dream, homogenous, monocultural lawns are quickly falling out of favor as people opt for more ecologically friendly gardens that conserve water and increase biodiversity.
Aurora Restricts ‘Cool Weather Turf’ For New Development
Drought is reshaping western U.S. landscapes. Las Vegas banned ornamental grass in 2021. Aurora is now the first municipality in Colorado to curb the use of some grasses in new developments.
ASLA Commits to Profession-Wide Climate Action
The American Society of Landscape Architects has assembled a task force to create an action plan focused on climate change and biodiversity.
A ‘Public Realm Action Plan’ Charts San Francisco’s Post-Covid Comeback
A nonprofit business group released a plan to trigger the post-pandemic revitalization of Downtown San Francisco by reclaiming public space for human scale activity. But is an improved public realm sufficient to meet the challenge?
The Importance of Inclusive Playgrounds
The first fully inclusive playground in the Antelope Valley in Los Angeles County features full, accessible rubber surfacing and activities accessible to children of all abilities.
Houston-Galveston Area Council
City of Malibu
Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Spearfish
City of Lomita
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.
