Oracle Park, the Blue Shield of California Theater, Ford GoBike—branding abounds in San Francisco.
Urban design critic John King considers the plethora of not-so-subtle branding that has swept through San Francisco. He describes the naming of Salesforce Park and Salesforce Transit Center as brazen:
The brazen part is how Salesforce drove a deal with the Transbay Joint Powers Authority to place its name front and center — rather than, say, "The Transbay Transit Center, presented by Salesforce." Astro, one of the software giant’s cartoon-like mascots, even adorns the rugged boulders that direct you to the park.
Branding opportunities give cities revenue streams they need, says King. But he points out that nonprofits are also cashing in. "This is what’s insidious. Brandopolis respects no boundaries, even if familiar landmarks are cheapened as a result."
He also notes that the commercialization of cities is not anything new and change is constant. "Heck, I’ve been around long enough to remember when the Giants welcomed us to brand-new PacBell Park. Which begat SBC Park. Which begat AT&T Park and, as of this season, Oracle Park."
FULL STORY: Goodbye, San Francisco. Hello, Brandopolis
SF Transbay Transit Center Cracks Isolated to Beams, Say Experts
As the investigation continues, cracks found in girders supporting the building do not appear to be due to a design issue.
Cracked Beams Repaired, S.F.'s Transbay Transit Center Ready to Reopen
Buses and people will soon return to the Transbay Transit Center, which operated for just over a month at the end of 2018 before structural flaws forced the closure of the facility for inspections and repairs.
S.F.'s Transbay Transit Center Won't Reopen Until June at the Earliest
The Transbay Transit Center, opened for a brief stint in the latter half of 2018 before structural flaws were discovered, won't be open to the public again anytime soon.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)