The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Libertarians and Urbanism
Urbanists have rightfully been wary of libertarianism in the past, says Stephen Smith, but a new crop of Jane Jacobs-loving libertarians could change that perception.
Brad Pitt's New Orleans Homes "Symbolically Invaluable"
Architecture critic James Russell tours the homes built in New Orleans' Ninth Ward by Brad Pitt's Make It Right Foundation and finds a lot to like.
As Slump Continues, Developers Turn to Mixed-Use, Ped-Friendly Homes
In a new survey conducted in the Tri-State and Mid-Atlantic regions, 60% of developers said they were shifting their emphasis away from big houses to "conservative pedestrian-oriented mixed-use neighborhoods."
Park Smart Pilot Has Cut Traffic in Park Slope, DOT Finds
Higher parking meter prices have helped allow more people to park in the Brooklyn neighborhood even while easing congestion.
"Dilbert" Creator Tries to Build Green House
Scott Adams, creator of the Dilbert comic strip, walks readers through the planners, planning commissioners, architects and builders that plagued him through his quest to build a sustainable home.
What And Who NYC Pedestrians Should Watch Out For
Not taxis, trucks, or buses as many might have thought. It's left turning motorists -especially if they are men! And you are less likely to get struck if you jaywalk than if you cross with the light, though if you do get hit it will be more serious
Is There a "Right" Kind of Mosque?
Attempts to eliminate all visible traces of Islamic influence from the design and nomenclature of the Park51 project contributes to the de-legitimization of Islam in America, writes Aisha Ghani.
The New and Familiar
New restaurants are striving to look like (and to be) community institutions, reflecting old-style pubs, meeting halls and marketplaces.
From Storm Drain to Sidewalk
An architect and planner in India has proposed a plan to convert Delhi's storm drains into a network of walkways and passages.
Interactive Map Documents Road Quality
A new interactive map shows wear-and-tear on city roads, color-coding where work needs to be done and where smooth rides can be found.
Maglev: Dreaming the Impossible Dream?
The idea of a magnetic levitation train has been bubbling for decades, but has yet to materialize in the U.S. Some say the idea is a pipe dream, but this column from <em>The Baltimore Sun</em> says the idea just needs the right home.
Our 3D Augmented Future
"Augmented Reality" is currently a smart phone phenomenon that uses the phone's camera to overlay visual data on real spaces. Architecture student Keiichi Matsuda imagines a future where our visual space is completely overtaken by augmented reality.
What the Traffic Jam Means for China
Popular Science's Clay Dillow reflects on what the massive traffic jam in Beijing means for China's planning and infrastructure.
Invasion of the Granny Pods
The Rev. Kenneth Dupin of Virginia wanted to find a way to keep elderly folks independent and near their families while providing the care they need. So he invented the MEDCottage, and is working with cities to change zoning to allow it.
Defending the "Great Good Place"
Public libraries are being relied on more than ever to assist Americans struggling with the economic crisis, even as they themselves are under threat, writes Neal Peirce.
Opposition to Mosque Proposals Mounting
Across the U.S., proposals for new mosques (such as for one in Murfreesboro, Tennessee) are meeting with hostile opposition, leading to worries over an ugly shift in public perception of Muslims.
De-Paving and Improving Urban Permeability
A new test program to de-pave the city of Baltimore is turning the soil formerly covered by city school playgrounds. The project is aimed at reducing runoff.
Detroit's Big Plan
Detroit Mayor Dave Bing has officially announced the city's new 18-month policymaking process aimed at creating what his administration is calling the Detroit Strategic Framework Plan.
The 60-Mile Traffic Jam
A major route in China has been slammed with a major traffic jam, spanning more than 60 miles and lasting for more than a week.
Turning Cities into Software
Many have called for "urban operating systems" to streamline how cities work, but few ideas have really taken hold. One small start-up, however, is making strides in developing that concept.
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.
