The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Is New Urbanism 'Antiseptic'?
Columnist Michael Paul Williams of the Times-Dispatch worries that the planned New Urbanist development in Roseland, VA will turn out to be 'as antiseptic as a theme park."
Friday Funny: Masking the Smells of Public Transit
Stinky trains may become a thing of the past in Berlin, where officials are sniff-testing new fragrances to mask the odors of public transit.
New England's Football Mall
Football and shopping become one in New England, where the owner of the New England Patriots NFL team has built a $300 million mall and entertainment complex next to the stadium.
Red/Blue = Rural/Urban?
The discourse in the current presidential election appears to be pitting rural -- and presumably conservative -- Americans against urban liberals.
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Planning for Planning School
<p> I used to have interns. Probably hundreds of them, if you add them up over the years. I lorded over them all—benevolently, of course—while they, with doe eyes and studied eagerness, did whatever they could to impress me and my colleagues. </p> <p> Then this week, at orientation for the University of Pennsylvania’s master of city planning program, I sat in the crowd, one face out of about 70. A plebe once again. </p> <p> Talk about humbling. </p>
Railroad at the Top of the World
On Canada's arctic Baffin Island, engineers are preparing to construct the world's most northerly railway, a 143 kilometer line across permafrost to transport iron ore to Europe.
Can 'Green' Cement Eliminate C02?
Cement production is notorious for generating large amounts of C02. Now a Stanford professor claims to have developed a new process that will eliminate the problem.
Small Wind Turbines Become Popular, But Experts Question Their Value
Small wind turbines have been installed around the country, from Logan Airport in Boston to rooftops in New York and California. But many wonder if the turbines generate enough electricity to make economic sense, especially in urban areas.
Smart Growth Isn't Smart Without Transit
California's SB 375 could have a big impact on the way the state grows, but without more funding for public transit, any gains would be offset by continued congestion and traffic problems.
Big Density Plans for Toronto
Toronto is considering a broad new plan to encourage higher density.
Garbage Day Never Comes for Naples
Corrupt and inconsistent mob-controlled garbage collection in Naples, Italy, has left the city swimming in uncollected trash and with little hope of a resolution.
Architecture Degrees Gaining Popularity
The U.K. is seeing a significant leap in students applying for architecture degrees, possibly due to the rise in interest in sustainability around the world. Some worry that growing programs could impact the quality of education.
Foreclosures Gone Wild
A foreclosed home in Lake Elsinore, CA has attracted some new residents- a family of bobcats.
The Mall Comes to India
Malls are a newcomer to India, but designs that incorporate elements of the Indian marketplace are a hit.
CA Senate Approves HOT Lane Legislation
The CA Senate voted to approve the HOT lane/transit investment plan of the LA MTA for two freeways, making LA eligible for $210 million in federal congestion pricing funds if the governor signs the bill.
'Collision Course' for Toronto's Competing Transportation Plans?
The City of Toronto and Ontario's transportation agency Metrolinx are offering competing long term transportation plans for the Toronto region.
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The Accidental Planner
I clearly remember the day that I received a call from MIT faculty notifying me of my acceptance into the Master of City Planning (MCP) program. I could not believe that a department within the illustrious MIT (and I do not say that facetiously), the epitomic bastion of computer geeks, rocket scientists and the like selected me for its MCP program. Moreover, the path that led me to that moment was somewhat accidental. My interest in urban planning, though earnest and fervent today, was not grounded in even the slightest exposure to urban planning or urban design in my pre-MIT life. <br />
The Printable Home
Engineers at USC have developed a new technique for '3-D printing' houses.
Hong Kong Sprawls Into the Ocean
One man's personal quest to save the beauty of Hong Kong's Victoria Harbor from rampant development.
School Closures Hurting Canadian Communities
Its birth rate declining, Canada is facing an unprecedented drop in school enrollments, leading to a wave of closures.
Pagination
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
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.