An annual review of the world of architecture and design from design critics at the Dallas Morning News and Curbed.
Mark Lamster and Alexandra Lange are back with their snarky review of the year in architecture and design.
It has been a year, people. COVID-19. Economic collapse. Political madness. Social unrest. Fire. Mank. Through it all, we’ve been keeping tabs, marking down who’s been naughty and who’s been nice, so we can bring you, for the 11th consecutive year — !!! — our annual architecture and design awards.
Planetizen previously shared the duo's architecture and design awards in 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019, but obviously 2020 has little precedent in those previous editions. The unique fingerprints of 2020 are all over this list, from the "Design of the Year" (the mask) to the "Building(s) of the Year Award," the latter described thusly:
To the streateries, some basic, some stylish, some practically indoors, that kept the restaurant industry working. We only wish such ingenuity had also been applied to transforming public space to shelter the unhoused, provide public bathrooms, keep sidewalks and streateries accessible, and offer children more space to play.
There are also some funny, irreverent items that have nothing to do with COVID-19, which offers a nice change of pace.
FULL STORY: Mask Up! It’s the 2020 Architecture and Design Awards
The Traditional Snarky Architecture Review—This Time for the Decade
This annual architecture and design award has been kicking for ten years now, and 2019 provides the perfect opportunity to review the decade that was the 2010s.
Architecture and Design Awards for the Best and Worst of 2021
Two influential and erudite design critics continue an annual tradition.
Equity and 'Righting Past Wrongs' to Start the 2021 National Planning Conference
The American Planning Association's 2021 National Planning Conference started streaming this morning, with an obvious focus on equity and the historical role of the planning profession in perpetuating systemic racism.
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.
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Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie