The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Against the Bulldozer
Struggling cities are increasingly looking at the idea of bulldozing vacant properties and "shrinking". But two columnists argue it might not be such a good idea.
Back-To-Nature Plans Stall Innovation
According to this op-ed, allowing cities to de-densify undermines the importance of the city's role in society at large--namely, as a breeding ground for technological and cultural innovation.
Starchitecture?
The Architect's Journal selects the most significant architecture and urban design from the Star Wars films.
BLOG POST
A Cheapskate’s Guide To Urban (Rooftop/Balcony) Gardening
<p> I can’t deny that one of my strongest personality traits is that of being a hard-core cheapskate. So much so, that I feel obliged to caveat this post by saying that my initial reasons for getting into rooftop gardening were more to save money on buying fresh vegetables and fruit from our rather pricey local markets than any particular affection for gardening. While it turns out that my wife and I probably do save money (surprisingly, I never ran the numbers), the joy of gardening, and the kick I get out of showing our rooftop garden off to friends, has far outweighed the economic benefits. As counter-intuitive as it sounds, urban gardening is much easier than you might imagine. The hardest part is overcoming the psychological hurdle of thinking that it is difficult, confusing, time-consuming, or takes up lots of space. In fact, it is none of these things; you don’t need expensive, special equipment, or any particular skill. You only need a window box, a fire escape, or a small patch of patio if that’s all you have. If this geeky transportation engineer can grow tomatoes, so can you!
Ten Train Stations, Lost Forever
The loss of NY's Penn Station spurred an entire movement in historic preservation. But it was not an isolated incident- The Infrastructurist looks at 10 beautiful train stations that fell to the wrecking ball.
BLOG POST
Judaism and Urbanism
<p> After visiting Denver for the Congress for New Urbanism (CNU) conference, I began to meditate on the relationship between Judaism and urbanism, and on how few cities accommodate both. In particular, I was impressed by how well-populated downtown Denver was compared to the southern cities where I have spent the past three years (Jacksonville) and this summer (Little Rock) - but I stll couldn’t imagine myself living in downtown Denver all that comfortably. </p>
Stabilizing Housing Market May Still Prove Difficult
Obama Administration officials, speaking at a conference of real estate writers and editors, admitted that the housing crisis is far from over and administration efforts are taking time to have an effect.
Smart Growth Program Vetoed
Texas Governor Rick Perry recently vetoed a bill that would have created a state level "smart growth" program.
Is River Setback "An Illegal Taking"?
Philadelphia's City Council has approved two new measures that would preserve historic buildings along the Delaware River and require 100 ft. green setbacks. Some developers are protesting the ruling, saying it amounts to an illegal taking.
City Living Is Greener
Cities produce more CO2 per acre, but much less per person than other types of living, according to a new study by The Center for Neighborhood Technology.
The Best Laid Plans for TOD, Stalled
Planners in New Jersey developed ambitious plans for transit-oriented development along their rail corridors, but with the struggling housing market and poor economy, developers aren't showing up or have halted projects in the works.
Most Unaffordable Housing, Most Livable Cities?
The Economist magazine has published it's list of the most livable cities in the world. But quite a few of these cities have the most unaffordable housing, complains Owen McShane.
Parking Vs. Healthy Food
Some cities are change zoning laws to free smaller supermarkets from having to supply parking spaces in order to provide enough nutritious food to low-income residents.
Closing the Loop on Energy Use
Architect Michael Palwyn is designing sustainable architecture that combines solar power and seawater into an ultra-efficient loop of resource conservation.
Is Prince Charles Abusing His Power?
A number of famous architects believe that the Prince is subverting the planning process by using his royal influence to stymie projects.
Meter Maids Get New Tool
A new technology in use in Sacramento, CA snaps pics of cars' tires and compares them on the next sweep, increasing the number of time violators caught.
Officials Demand High-Rise Crane Come Down
City officials in Chicago are demanding the removal of a high-rise crane which stands at the half-built Waterview Tower, a monument to the economic downturn.
Health Researchers Connect Global Warming and Obesity
A new book by four public health researchers shows that global warming and obesity have the same causes- we drive too much, and carbon-intensive foods have become our daily bread.
Vancouver Begins Incentive Program to Boost Affordable Housing
Next month, Vancouver will begin a two-and-a-half year incentive program to encourage developers to build affordable housing.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
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.
