The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
BLOG POST
Civilization Planning?
<span>When we think of cities in antiquity, we don’t hesitate to think of them in association with their respective civilizations. After all, the words <em>civic</em> and <em>civilization</em> share the same root word in Latin, <em>civitas</em>. Similarly, we can now say that we live in a globalized civilization largely structured on what author Jeb Brugmann refers to in his new book <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Welcome-Urban-Revolution-Cities-Changing/dp/1596915668/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1244824502&sr=1-1"><em>Welcome to the Urban Revolution</em></a> as the global City. </span> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span>However, in our focus as planners on addressing concerns with current development projects and other local issues we might be forgiven for sometimes losing touch with this larger picture: that the city is still the focal point and driver for those processes we refer to as civilization.</span>
Can The High Line Be Replicated?
David Brewster can image four possible locations in Seattle where a High Line-style blight-to-park revitalization could occur.
Virtual Planning
An interview with Eric Gordon, who was part of a team that recently won a MacArthur grant for using Second Life as a community planning tool.
"Kid Friendly" Zoning Code
Ashtabula, Ohio, are updating their zoning codes to be more "kid friendly", as more and more residents are submitting applications to convert homes into day care facilities.
Pedestrian Traffic Discouraged in Oklahoma City
Not only is walking in Oklahoma City not encouraged, it's actually discouraged with public policy, says an urban design consultant.
Nobody Likes Parking Meters
The City of St. Petersburg, Florida has proposed longer enforcement hours on parking meters. Residents and business owners are none too happy about the change.
Turning Homes Into Self-Sustaining Energy Producers
Emilio Ramirez proposed a single family power plant in Metropolis’s 2009 Next Generation competition.
Miami-Dade Busway Could Open Up to Cars
Officials in Miami-Dade County are considering a move to lift car restrictions from an underused two-lane commuter busway. One plan is to convert the busway into a tollroad.
Street Food of the World
In an exhibition called Global Street Food at the Vitra Design Museum, portable kitchens from all over the world are presented.
Energy Plan Might Stifle Growth, Say Governors
During an energy conference sponsored by the Southern Growth Policies Board, a number of governors said that taxes on energy production might drive up the cost of gas, which will could an impact on the whole industry.
Save the T from Ruin
The Metropolitan Area Planning Council will unveil a new plan for growth and preservation in Greater Boston, which calls for a new pattern of development based on "Smart Growth".
Envisioning a New Paris, In Theory At Least
The future of Paris has been laid out by ten teams of architects and planners. The ideas are broad, futuristic, and innovative, but few are likely to be realized.
Former Chicago Post Office to be Sold
After the Postal Service moved to a new building on Harrison Street, the 14-story, 77-year-old building has been vacant since 1995. Now it is to be auctioned.
The Founder of ZipCar Moves Into Ride Sharing
Robin Chase co-founded ZipCar in 2000. Now she's working on GoLoco, a ride sharing system based on the ZipCar platforms.
The High Line Finally Opens
The first phase of the High Line is finished and ready for strolling as Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg cut a red ribbon on Monday morning.
Census Undercounts May Cost State
An audit of the past census found that 373,567 Texans were not counted, for an estimated loss of $2,913 per person-or $1 billion in federal funds from 2002 to 2012.
Designers Should Lead to Fight Emissions
WorldChanging argues that more leadership from architects, landscape architects and planners is needed in a review of progress on Ed Mazria's 2030 Challenge, which calls for all buildings to be carbon neutral by 2030.
FEATURE
Community Energy Planning and the Stimulus -- Take a Time Out!
Stimulus money is available for a variety of energy efficiency projects, but many understaffed cities are having trouble meeting the impending deadlines. Jessica Millman, Joe Schilling, and Kathryn McCarty have found a loophole that can help.
Smart Grid for a Smart City
Amsterdam has taken its smart grid live, installing solar panels and 300 electric car recharging stations throughout the city.
BLOG POST
The New Normative Planning
<p>The conference bags handed out to the attendees of the 2007 National Planning conference in Philadelphia had four words printed on one side: value, choice, engagement, community. The words echo the <a href="http://www.planning.org/apaataglance/mission.htm">long mission statement</a> of the American Planning Association, evidence of what I <a href="/node/34936">described</a> last year as the pragmatic position of the profession that refrains from making a larger argument about the form of the city. Here's a taste:</p><blockquote> "Our collaborative efforts will continue to result in great success for APA and the vital communities we strive to support, and APA members will continue to help create communities of lasting value. We value choice and community engagement, diversity, inclusion and social equity."</blockquote><p>Since then, a new program from the organization and other evidence may suggest a subtle shift in professional values now underway.</p>
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.
