Gender equality has never played such a prominent role in the design of public and urban spaces. The world needs more than superficial, reactionary measures to address the long history of public space as the physical realm of patriarchy.
"Urban planning and public-space design has long responded to existing uses, rather than creating opportunities for entirely new behaviors," according to an article by Jennifer Gardner and Larissa Begault in describing the kind of typical, reactionary approach to gender equality that has been celebrated as progress in the field for decades now.
Instead, the authors argue, gender equality in urban design requires a different approach that addresses root causes. "As social scientists, policymakers, and designers increasingly talk about pushing for inclusion in the field [of urban design] and designing for gender equality, we need to make sure actions address root causes, rather than just solve for superficial manifestations of a larger problem."
The article compares and contrasts examples from Vienna (an example of the first, reactionary approach) to New York City, Toronto, Rio de Janeiro, and more for the latter, deeper approach.
FULL STORY: How Better Urban Planning Can Improve Gender Equality
How Urban Design Can Benefit Parents and Kids
Designing thoughtful, child-friendly public spaces can ease the burdens of modern parenting and offer safe spaces for children to learn self-reliance and resilience.
Fighting the ‘Loneliness Epidemic’ in Cities
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Reshaping Cities for Present-Day Populations
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Rethinking Redlining
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network
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Seattle’s Pike Place Market Leans Into Pedestrian Infrastructure
After decades of debate, the market is testing a car ban in one of its busiest areas and adding walking links to the surrounding neighborhood.
The World’s Longest Light Rail Line is in… Los Angeles?
In a city not known for its public transit, the 48.5-mile A Line is the longest of its kind on the planet.
Quantifying Social Infrastructure
New developments have clear rules for ensuring surrounding roads, water, and sewers can handle new users. Why not do the same for community amenities?
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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions