The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
The Internet vs. the City
Will digital communications make cities obsolete, or can online connections actually complement the face-to-face interactions and the cities that support them?
Which is More Livable: Eco-Cities or Mega-Cities?
Are greenfield developments designed with sustainability in mind or already-built metropolises better for the environment and the people?
Louisville's Historic Preservation at Risk
In a major blow to Preservationists, the city of Louisville has granted the demolition of a portion of the historic Whiskey Row.
Transport is Key in Science Hub
A hub of information and communications technology known as Kista Science City in Stockholm, Sweden, has focused on intelligent transportation to fuel its success.
Salt Lake City and Utah Grow More Diverse
Long a majority-white city, Salt Lake City is gradually becoming more diverse.
The Public Role of Tahrir Square
A Cairo native who had returned home before the recent unrest and revolution looks at the role of the city's Tahrir Square, and how recent events have given additional meaning to this public space.
The Connection Between DC Height Regulations and Public Transit
Angie Schmitt explains why the debate over removing Washington DC's famous height regulations depends on the city's transportation plans.
What Is America's Best Coffee City?
The results are in from Travel + Leisure's America's Favorite Cities Survey and MSNBC has the winners from various categories such as America's Best Coffee City.
Barbie Has A New Career: Architect
Each year Mattel asks the public to vote on Barbie's next career. After a ten-year campaign, Mattel has decided to make Architect Barbie. The company hopes that Architect Barbie will inspire the next generation of female architects and designers.
NYC and Privatized Parking
NYC is asking private investment banks to submit ideas on how to privatize city assets.
Is There A Problem of Ethics in Transit Consulting?
Jarrett Walker writes that he doesn't think there is an "experienced transit planning consultant on the planet" who hasn't been in a situation where backroom, off the record political decisions are made "at the expense of transit outcomes."
Does London Have the Most User-Friendly Public Transit?
In preparation for the 2012 Olympics, the City of London has announced its plans to introduce a revolutionary ticketing system to allow easier access to its public transit network.
People Power Vs. Weeds
Gene Dunn, a 63-year-old resident of Ventura, California cuts weeds with his square shovel on public streets. City leaders would like to recruit an army of Gene Dunns.
Pocket Parks: Packed With Peanuts?
The Planters company has revealed plans to assist cities in designing and building urban pocket parks in underused land. In return, the parks will include branding from the company, including a Mr. Peanut statue sitting on a peanut bench.
FEATURE
Joyride: Pedaling Toward a Healthier Planet
Portland is known today as one of the nation's top bicycling cities, but it wasn't always thus. Mia Birk, the city's bicycle coordinator in the early 90s, explains how the city changed course to create an enviable bicycle infrastructure.
Food Markets are Booming
Angela Starita reports on the growing popularity of "haute food courts" -- high-end food markets -- and what they mean for cities.
Big Box Religion
Officials in DuPage County, Illinois are considering creating zoning tailored specifically at banning large religious facilities that they say are not in keeping with neighborhood character.
Using Color for Wayfinding
In Seoul, Korea, buses are color coded to indicate which direction they're going, and how quickly. John Calimente says the system "goes a long way towards solving the bus legibility problem."
Rethinking the Brick
The Brickstainable design competition challenges designers to find "solutions that exploit the thermal qualities of masonry construction in an urban building." Geoff Manaugh looks at some of the interesting ways designers remade the lowly brick.
El Paso Moving Forward
El Paso officials are working with consultants on envisioning a new master plan for the city, which could include turning an underused rail yards into a major park a la Millennium Park in Chicago.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)
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.
