The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Rethinking Residential
Can you create a community with design? This is one of the questions raised at a panel hosted by Future Shack, a project sponsored by the Seattle AIA and The Seattle Times to reconsider residential architecture.
Don't Forget Roads, Says Kotkin
Joel Kotkin explains why the Obama Administration's focus on transit is wrong-headed and doesn't do anything for the majority of Americans.
Are Bike Lanes Less Safe?
A new study from the University of Leeds claims that drivers are more careful and leave more room for bikers when there is no bike lane.
BLOG POST
Stress and the city, part 2
<p class="EC_MsoNormal"> Not long ago, I posted on what makes some cities more stressful than others.<span> </span>(See <a href="/40441" target="_blank">http://www.planetizen.com/node/40441</a> ).<span> </span>In that post, I remarked that the ideal objective indicia of stress (resident surveys on crime, illness, etc.) often do not exist for most cities. </p>
Gaming Officials Monkeying With Land Use
In Philadelphia, the Gaming Control Board is made up of 10 men, 9 of which don't live in the city. A recent decision by the board will destroy two planned developments that would have improve Philly's character, says arch. critic Inga Saffron.
Inside David Byrne's Livable City
Using a mishmash of highlights from cities around the world, musician and artist David Byrne talks about his personal vision of a perfect, livable city.
The Road to South Africa's World Cup
South Africa is gearing up to host the 2010 World Cup next June. As it prepares to be the tournament's first African host, the country faces a number of hurdles.
The World's 'First Smart Grid City'
Boulder, Colorado, has become the world's "first fully functioning smart grid enabled city".
Texas Officials Call For End to Border Fence
Texas officials are calling on the federal government to ditch plans to build a pedestrian fence along the U.S.-Mexico border, arguing the fence will not stop illegal crossing.
Bank Executive Blasted for Beachfront Foreclosure Parties
A Wells Fargo executive involved in foreclosures has reportedly been using a foreclosed Malibu, California, estate for personal parties on the weekends.
"Polluted and Dangerous" Abandoned Properties
Tufts urban planning professor Justin Hollander appeared on C-SPAN's Washington Journal to answer questions about his new book, <em>Polluted & Dangerous: America's Worst Abandoned Properties and What Can Be Done About Them.</em>
BLOG POST
An Interview with the Chinese Premier
<p> This interview below with the Chinese Premier offers a preview of the challenges and opportunities that will unfold at the </p> <p> December 2009 UN Climate Conference (see <a href="http://en.cop15.dk/?gclid=CI-ImOyB8JwCFYwwpAodNSUfjQ">http://en.cop15.dk/?gclid=CI-ImOyB8JwCFYwwpAodNSUfjQ</a>) </p> <p> Here is the interview, <a href="http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/opinion/2009-09/14/content_8687301.htm">http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/opinion/2009-09/14/content_8687301.htm</a> </p>
Energy from the Landfill
Landfills produce a lot of methane gas, one of the main greenhouse gases contributing to global warming. In an effort to both reduce that impact and responsibly reuse the gas, some municipalities are converting it into energy.
Proposed Port Threatens Flood-Prone Venice
Plans to construct a new cargo port near Venice has some conservationists up in arms. They say the plans would exacerbate rising water levels and further endanger the flood-prone ancient city.
Jacksonville Baptists Denied Their Church, Sue City
The First Baptist Church of Mandarin applied to build a 249,000 sq. ft. complex in a rural area. They're suing the city in federal court, on the grounds that they're getting "unequal and discriminatory treatment."
New Light Rail Line Ushers Age of Rail Growth in Portland
A new line of Portland's MAX light rail system has opened, prefacing the coming decades of rail growth in the region.
The Role of Artists in the Creation of Public Space
Public space plays an important role in cities. Essential to creating good public spaces, according to this commentary from <em>The Nation</em>, is the art community.
Remaking Market St.
San Francisco's Market St. is the main street in town, but has had mixed success as a public space and a history of accidents involving pedestrians and bikes. Mayor Newsom has announced a new effort to improve safety and the public realm.
BLOG POST
A Low Cost Way to Learn About the Future of China
<p> During my first week in China, I have spoken to dozens of people and toured all over Beijing. I even have a map listing the locations of all of the McDonalds in Beijing. Spatial theorists need to write down a model to explain how a uniform distribution of McDonalds is what we observe. </p> <p> While I am quite happy to be here, this is not a low cost trip. The flight over was literally a pain in the neck. I'm in trouble with my wife </p>
U.S. Poverty at 11-Year High
The poverty rate hit an 11-year high in 2008, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
City of Clovis
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
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.
