The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Exposing America's Water Crisis
Cynthia Barnett says Americans live under an "illusion of water abundance" and calls for government water managers and private water companies to "stem the drain on America's water resources before it's too late."
Where's Your Happy Place?
Now can you qualify, quantify, and index it? Hazel Borys would like you to do so, and gives this data review to help you get started.
Amsterdam Adds to Its Embarrassment of Bicycle Riches
With a plan to spend $150 million on bike infrastructure over the next eight years, Amsterdam is cementing its reputation as "the capital of European biking," and doubling down on a pledge to "remain a clean and accessible city."
FEATURE
Back To The Future: The 1970 Los Angeles 'Centers' Concept Plan
The 1970 Concept Los Angeles plan is a history lesson for urban planners and a vision of what the city could have looked like.
Occupy Sandy: A New Model for Disaster Response?
One of the odd twists of the Sandy aftermath is the repurposing of the Occupy Wall Street apparatus as one of the most effective aid groups operating in New York. Could their work serve as a model for locally-based disaster recovery?
The Secrets Behind the Architectural Illustrator's Sleight of Hand
Call it "manipulation" or "visioning," but any way you look at it, illustrations of proposed projects have an immense impact on whether they get funded, approved, and built. Tristin Hopper looks at the "toolbox of tricks" employed by illustrators.
Record Floods Submerge Venice
New York isn't the only famous city suffering from the effects of record high water levels. Seventy percent of Venice is submerged. The Daily Mail has stunning images of tourists swimming in St. Mark's Square and wading through waist-high water.
Finding Homes for America's Veterans
On Veterans Day, Kaid Benfield reports on efforts underway to house and serve America's veterans sustainably.
New App Explores Ecological Urbanism
A new interactive app produced by the Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD) and Second Story Interactive Studios compiles and exhibits examples of "alternative and radical approaches to sustainability at a range of urban scales."
Are Cities a Reflection of their Citizens?
As part of Bloomberg BusinessWeek's "Fix This" city planning series, the World Bank's Daniel Hoornweg considers how cities can often be a reflection of the cultural and institutional personalities of their citizens.
Radical University-Led Project Could Transform Philadelphia
Drexel University is proceeding with a study to determine the feasibility of capping and building over the Schuylkill Rail Yards, a transformational project that could unite West Philadelphia with the Center City, reports Susan Snyder.
Election 2012: The Demographic Time Bomb Explodes
Underlying President Obama's swamping the electoral college on election night were the demographic changes throughout the U.S. For the first time, Latinos voted in double-digits (10%). Republicans appear to have taken notice, but is it too late?
New York's Famous Brownstones Get a Facelift
The preservation and meticulous restoration of historic brownstones in Manhattan, and especially Brooklyn, over the last half-century has revived whole swaths of the city. A new generation of homeowners are exploring radical alterations to the form.
Federal-aid Highway Program Essentials
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recently launched a new information-sharing initiative designed to help local public agencies and state departments of transportation manage their Federal-aid Highway Program projects.
Will a 'Mini Bilbao' Bring the Crowds to Central Michigan?
The newest art museum in the U.S. will open on the campus of Michigan State University this weekend. Designed by architect Zaha Hadid, the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum's namesake believes it will spur a "mini-Bilbao effect" for East Lansing.
Less Plans on Paper, More Practical Thinking Needed for Mumbai
Every 20 years, the Municipal Corporation of Great Mumbai (MCGM) publishes a Development Plan. Kristen Teutonico argues that past and current plans have been too grand for implementation and that the City should focus more on smaller-scale projects.
Should We Slow Down Our Pursuit of Rapid Transit?
Jarrett Walker examines the desirability of slow transit as argued by University of British Columbia Professor Patrick M. Condon in support of a vast streetcar network for Vancouver.
Is Your City an Innovator or a Follower?
Howard Blackson walks through the planning layers of San Diego for a history lesson as well as a look to the Next Urbanism.
Beneath Paris, Sights to Rival Those Found Above
Will Hunt explores Paris beneath the surface during a 14-mile trek underground with a group of urban explorers, and finds subterranean sights to rival those found on the famous streets above.
Will the Economics of Climate Change Alter the Politics?
After years of climate change denial by conservatives and muzzling by liberals, Superstorm Sandy made abundantly clear the economic costs of inaction. Will that be enough to spur political action?
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie
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.
