The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
The Viability of Obama's Urban Vision
The Obama Administration has made a variety of pledges to focus on urban areas and metropolitan regions as it lays out policy for the country. But how realistic is the Obama urban vision?
Stroke Recovery, City Recovery
Two years ago, Steve Patterson suffered a stroke. As he goes through the process of recovery, he sees some lessons for struggling cities.
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Taming the Office Park
<p> Most attempts to regulate suburban development have focused on containing the growth of suburban housing. But such regulation, by restricting the supply of buildable land, risks incresing housing prices. And from a more libertarian perspective, an individual's interest in choosing to "drive to qualify" may seem quite appealing. Attempts to regulate commercial suburban development do not involve the same sentimental considerations as limits on residential development, but do risk increasing prices for commercial land, thus increasing prices for everything else. </p>
How We Eat May Be Biggest Impact of Urbanization on Nature
This post from <em>The Nature Conservancy</em> examines the impact of urbanization on nature and finds that our rising food needs will be one of the most important implications.
Was High-Speed Rail Investment Worthwhile?
<em>National Journal</em> asks its panel of transportation experts whether the Obama Administration's recent announcement of high-speed rail funding projects is really a wise investment.
Through the Eyes of the Elderly
This article recalls the story of Patricia Moore, who dressed up as an 80-year-old woman to better understand how the elderly interact with products and the built environment.
How Mobile Apps Will Change Your City
Gigaom looks at a handful of "augmented reality" apps, both current and projected, that create an interface between the internet and the world around us.
15% of Cities Vacant or Abandoned
That's according to the National Vacant Properties Campaign. But there is a glimmer of hope as cases of 'temporary urbanism' and 'pop-up stores' fill the void.
HSR Funds Better Spent on Local Transit, Says Editorial
The St. Louis Post Dispatch laments the $1.1 billion the St.Louis to Chicago corridor received for high speed rail, wishing it had gone to worthier projects such as subsidizing local public transit.
Pedestrians in the Sky
Pedestrians, street vendors, scooters and squatters all compete for space on the gridlocked sidewalks of Mumbai, where nearly 60% of the population travels by foot. Solution? 50 elevated walkways, or "skywalks."
The World's Largest Haitian Diaspora Looks On
Architect and urban designer Hector Fernando Burga looks at Haiti through the lens of a Haitian enclave in Miami and wonders what role designers can play in the devastated country's revival.
Birth Rates Falling and Cities Failing
Birth rates are dropping across Europe, and some cities are on the verge of collapse because of it. Exhibit A: Hoyerswerda, Germany.
Integrating Technology in an Instant City
Technology is going to be deeply integrated within New Songdo City, an instant city developing on a man-made island off the coast of Korea.
Vancouver in Cinemascope
With the Winter Olympics fast approaching, the editor of Vancouver Magazine takes a shot at capturing the big picture of the city that has become a model for planners everywhere.
Nevada Passed Over for High-Speed Rail
The Department of Transportation has decided that the proposed Las Vegas - Southern California maglev train was not far enough along to be eligible for funding, which is meant to go towards more immediate solutions.
High Speed Rail Needs High Class Stations
<em>Chicago Tribune</em> architecture critic Blair Kamin argues that America's foray into high speed rail should also focus on the rail stations and user experience in addition to the speed.
Infrastructure Bank Included in 2011 US Budget
The Obama Administration is including a $4 billion plan to create a national infrastructure bank as part of its 2011 federal budget proposal.
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Images for Planners: More Resources
<p class="MsoNormal"> Some time ago I noted a number of terrific<a href="/node/34290" target="_blank"> image resources</a> for urban planners. This blog highlights some additional sources. </p>
Parking For Dollars
Los Angeles explores the possibility of selling off parking garages to manage a budget crisis.
Government Plans Vertical Garden on Portland Skyscraper
As part of a $133 million renovation of a federal building in Portland, the Government Services Administration plans to add 200-foot high "vegetated fins" that will carpet the building with plants and - hopefully - energy savings.
City of Thousand Oaks
City of Wisconsin Rapids
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA)
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
