The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Retro Trains of the Future
Popular Science digs through their archives to unearth a collection of fantastical, futuristic trains such as amphibious monorails, suspended railways and "two-headed trains."
The Most Miserable City in Canada
Toronto takes the crown in a new study from the Canadian Centre for the Study of Living Standards, ranking lowest in happiness for the country.
Sustainability, Minus the Doom and Gloom
James Way reviews two new books that propose sustainable approaches to architecture that don't dwell in post-oil, post-apocalyptic scenarios to make their point.
Could China Set New Standards for Coal Mining?
The Atlantic's James Fallows and Alexis Madrigal fly over Virginia & Kentucky to see first hand how mining effects the land, both in the U.S. and more importantly in China, where they're developing greener techniques for mining.
Are Smaller Cities Better Equipped for the Future?
Joel Kotkin puts forward the premise that smaller urban regions are more nimble than big cities. Kotkin dubs these smaller cities like Austin, Columbus and Raleigh-Durham "efficient cities."
Recyclable Subways
A new model of subway car designed by BMW and Siemens is being built for the Warsaw, Poland Metro. The aluminum chassis is reportedly 97.5% recyclable.
Development as Preservation
Preservation laws often ban additions to designated buildings, which can be counterproductive, says Stephen Smith, who argues that incremental add-ons can protect buildings from future redevelopment driven by market forces.
Different Skills for Different City Sizes
Cities attract skilled workers. But skillsets are not the same across different cities, according to this recent study.
Los Angeles' Transit Rebirth
Los Angeles is engaged in one of the most massive rail building schemes of any American city since NYC extended its subways last century, however, LA's is a mixture of light and heavy rail, and may just be Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa's legacy.
Women's Bike Ridership Reveals Road Safety Concern
Only 2% of bike riders in Lima are women. Jonna McKone looks at what hinders women from hopping on bikes and the further implications.
The Anti-Robert Moses
<em>Esquire</em> profiles New York City Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan, highlighting her impact on the city's public spaces.
A Bike Sharing System, But For Whom?
<em>WNYC</em> talks with New York City Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan about the city's planned bicycle sharing system about how it will work and who it's intended to serve.
The Modern-Day Reality of New Deal Utopias
This slideshow from <em>Design Observer</em> takes a look at New Deal-era utopian cities as they exist today.
Changing Federal Politics, But Potential at State and Metro Levels
In this episode of <em>Next American City</em>'s podcast, the Brookings Institution's Bruce Katz discusses the future of federal policy as the country's political makeup changes after the mid-term elections.
A Look at the World's Most Walkable Cities
<em>NRDC</em>'s Kaid Benfield offers a photographic look at the 10 most walkable cities in the world, as chosen by Frommer's.
Mayors Call 'Dangerous Cities' List a Turkey
The annual list of America's "Most Dangerous Cities" has prompted complaints from the U.S. Conference of Mayors -- a group typically dissatisfied with the list.
New York Sets Sights on Bike Sharing in 2012
New York City is hoping to install a citywide bike sharing program with at least 10,000 bikes. The system could open by Spring 2012.
The First Urban Walmart
Walmart, famous for not budging on their store designs, may be ready to build an urban alternative with a handful of stores proposed for the D.C. area. Greater Greater Washington gets the scoop on the plans.
Giant Ferrari Logo Emblazoned on Abu Dhabi Desert
Ferrari has built an enormous Formula 1 race track and amusement park on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. Metropolis Magazine reviews the in-your-face architecture.
Would You Adopt a Bridge?
The Indiana Dept. of Transportation is attempting to preserve bridges around the state, but don't have the funding to do so. Following the model of other states, they're asking locals who care about the bridges to "adopt" them.
Tyler Technologies
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
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.
