Land Use
Invisible Density
The Canadians call it "laneway housing", and in the U.S. they're often dubbed "granny units". These smaller homes in underused garage or alley locations are creating new ways to add density to areas without changing community character.
Mixed-Use Prevails in 2030 Land Use Projections
A new land use study based on the 2008 "comp plans" data reveals a significant shift toward mixed-use and transit-oriented developments (TODs) in the Twin Cities seven-county metro area.
Board Games for Urban Planners
Mark Ferrall is on a mission to get planners away from their computer screens and collaborating again - over a good board game. Here, he presents three he thinks you and your colleagues will enjoy.
Rapid City Growth Causes Concern Over Urban Sprawl
The rapid growth of cities is causing concern amongst experts over the effects of urban sprawl. There are 19 megacities in the world today, and 10 more will rise in the next 30 years, reports Marcus Moretti for Yale Daily News.
A Highly Unique Brownfield
Beckholmen, an island off Stockholm, has been an industrial and shipping center since the 1600s. Today, the city is looking at ways to revitalize the island while preserving the industry that has dominated it for so long.
The Many Faces of Exurbia
While the South is king when it comes to exurbs (low density, with workers who mostly commute to an urban area), the exurban experience has many faces, including small town New England.
Istanbul Clears Cafes Off of Streets
After complaints about blocking the sidewalk and creating litter, the City of Istanbul has been cracking down on street dining, gutting the food industry in the process.
Food Trucks Bring Peace to Contested Park
Grey Park in Evanston, Illinois is used primarily by mentally ill residents of a nearby facility, who make the space uncomfortable for the general public. A community group brought in food trucks, and everyone came together over cupcakes.
Playing the 'Hide the Cell Tower' Game
An 84 foot tall cell tower, disguised as a giant pine tree, sparks controversy in Bozeman, Montana.
Making the Door Zone Safe for Bikers
The door danger zone- where cars and cyclists intersect - is getting a revamp in San Francisco, highlighting how little room there is on the streets for all users.
Walter Reed's Closure Leaves Significant Development Possibilities
Walter Reed is closing and leaving behind close to 70 acres available for redevelopment in D.C. Residents want to know, can the planners get it right?
Don't Fear the Renter
Kevin Klinkenberg looks at the fear of "alternative lifestyles": that is, those who rent.
Melbourne Ranked as Most Livable City
With high scores in five broad categories, Melbourne, Australia received the highest spot in livability rankings from The Economist's research unit.
Medical Center's Closure an Opportunity for D.C.
The closure of the Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington D.C. presents a big piece of property and a big opportunity for the District.
Skyscrapers and the World of Tomorrow
Are skyscrapers the way to achieve great density, or a form of retro-urbanism that should be retired? With a debate simmering in the planning world over the energy efficiency and urban necessity of tall towers, Planetizen's staff decided to determine the answer once and for all.
Realligning the Libertarian Stance in the Urban Planning Culture Wars
Libertarians opposition toward government backed light-rail ignores the longer history of government's pro-car policies, says Timothy B. Lee, contributor for Forbes.
William Gibson's Futuristic World Has Arrived
Author William Gibson talks to Scientific American about how "the future's arrived," and the many ways you can see the future around you.
Urban Infill a New Target for Modular Homebuilders
Urban infill housing is becoming a major part of business for large homebuilders, even those building modular homes.
Ebenezer Howard's "Garden City" Revisited
Nina Rappaport of UrbanOmnibus explores the history of the urban factory, examining the social, economic, and environmental benefits of the modern vertical factory industry.
Inside Philadelphia's New Water Management System
This infographic explains the new green techniques that will revise the way Philadelphia catches and processes stormwater.
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
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority
