Density and diversity—where boundaries between spaces and uses are lessened—create more vibrant, livable places and more functional cities.

In the new book Soft City, David Sim, creative director at Gehl, looks at how cities can foster relationships between physical spaces and the people in them. One way to achieve this, says Sim, is developing "layered" buildings where a variety of uses happen in close proximity, the boundaries are minimal, and the spaces encourage vibrancy and interactions.
"Good cities, from Sim’s perspective, are ones that make these connections possible. They can look different and exist in different contexts, but they share an overarching and essential quality, which Sim calls 'softness'—a stark contrast to the rhetoric of 'grind' and 'harshness' that’s often applied to urban life," writes Eillie Anzilotti.
Sim points out that design strategies for softness are varied and, in general, are not costly or dependent on technology. Wider sidewalks, courtyards, and street-level retail are all ways to activate and connect streets and buildings, notes Anzilotti. "And creating multiple entrances into a building, Sim says, perforates the boundary between the streetscape and what happens inside buildings so the lived experience of a person becomes one in which the whole city feels more accessible and connected, and much softer."
FULL STORY: Do you live in a ‘soft city’? Here’s why you probably want to

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie