The Daily Source of Urban Planning News

Kevin Meagher argues why the office of Mayor of London, "an astounding success" since its creation just 12 years ago, is bad for the rest of England, and should be abolished.

August 18 - The Guardian

The focus of a series of failed proposals, a 20-acre corner of Brooklyn Navy Yard known as the Naval Annex Historic Campus is set to be converted into a $400 million media, technology and film hub in a plan announced this week.

August 18 - The New York Times

Arts programs across America have not been immune to the effects of the Great Recession. With institutions across the country struggling financially, Terry Teachout looks at whether the voter-approved bailout of the DIA can serve as a national model.

August 18 - The Wall Street Journal

Architizer takes us to the Chinese city of Zhuzhou, where a project featuring residences atop a retail podium stretches the definition of mixed use.

August 18 - Architizer

You may have heard of the Central Asian country of Kazakhstan for the "enlightened authoritarianism" of President Nursultan Nazarbayev, or as the world's largest landlocked country. It's now earning a well-deserved reputation for its parking habits.

August 17 - The Atlantic

Nate Berg asks what the practical limit is to the seemingly endless quest to design and construct the world's tallest building.

August 17 - The Atlantic Cities

Back from a recent field trip to L.A., Sarah Karlinsky, Deputy Director of SPUR, the San Francisco Planning + Urban Research Association, explores the benefits and challenges offered by the region's size, and what lessons it can provide the Bay Area.

August 17 - The Urbanist

After weeks of speculation after its supposed July launch date came and went, this morning Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced that New York's much anticipated bike-share program will be seen on city streets beginning next March.

August 17 - The New York Times

Stewart M. Patrick looks at the convergence of trends in natural disasters and urbanization in the developing world and sees a dire threat to the world's urban populations growing.

August 17 - The Internationalist

Richard Florida looks at the results of a recent study of the world cities that tweet the most. While the top city might surprise you, it didn't surprise Florida's colleague at the University of Toronto.

August 17 - The Atlantic Cities

Already the hottest major American city, Peter O'Dowd describes how planners in Phoenix are preparing for the increased sizzle brought on by global warming.

August 17 - NPR

Emily Badger explains how a Minneapolis-based non-profit organization is working to break the cycle of gentrification within artist communities by helping to create and preserve affordable space for artists and arts organizations.

August 17 - Fast Company

Long lines at airport security and weather delays have contributed to Amtrak's commanding travel mode share between D.C. and NYC, and majority share between NYC and Boston, but the lead is threatened by the competition and aging infrastructure.

August 17 - The New York Times - Business Day

Getting along is much easier when the fronts and backs of buildings are rational: public activities out front, private out back, and a street wall to keep them orderly.

August 17 - PlaceShakers

In a feature for the <em>Architect's Newspaper</em>, Christopher Bentley looks at efforts by Ohio's three largest cities to revitalize their urban cores, and the challenges they face.

August 16 - The Architect's Newspaper

Since it was so much fun when it occurred half a century ago, artist Flavio Trevisan has decided to create a way for you to play Moses (Robert, that is) with the fate of Toronto’s Regent Park neighborhood, in the comfort of your home.

August 16 - Architizer

According to a new research study out of the UK, green streets are much more effective at cutting pollution than previously thought.

August 16 - THE DIRT

The love affair between Americans and their cars is a well known trope. But according to a new paper from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace on worldwide car usage, America's car ownership rate is among the lowest in the developed world.

August 16 - The Atlantic

They may not be pretty to drive, but they sure are nice to look at from afar. Kelsey Campbell-Dollaghan profiles the work of aerial photographer Peter Andrew, who captures the beauty in America's Interstate System.

August 16 - Fast Company Co.Design

This week L.A. City Council members voted to approve an ordinance that gives the city more flexibility to lower parking requirements in select areas of the city to encourage adaptive reuse and walkability, report David Zahniser and Kate Linthicum.

August 16 - Los Angeles Times