The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
State of the Union Recap: Energy, Economy, Infrastructure and Environment
In an address heavy on President Obama's domestic agenda for the first year of his second term, issues of importance to planners and urbanists got plenty of play, including: the environment, energy, infrastructure, and the economy.
Geologists Dispute Predictions of a "Saudi America"
While holding out promise for oil industry advocates, shale oil extraction in the United States appears to obey the law of diminishing returns.
Resurrecting a Forgotten Giant of Landscape Architecture
He's "among the most important, influential and personally idiosyncratic landscape architects of the 20th century," but outside of the profession, Dan Kiley isn't well known. A publication and exhibition scheduled for this year seek to change that.
A Guide to Creating Great Cities at Eye Level
The result of a collaborative effort between five editors and 43 professionals from around the world, a new open-source book documents the essential concepts and strategies for creating great cities at eye level - along the ground floor ("plinths").
Where to Find a Date for Tomorrow
Trulia has evaluated the ratios of men and women living alone in America's largest metros and neighborhoods to determine the best bets to find an available mate from the opposite sex. Guys, there's not much time to book your ticket to D.C....
Philly RFQ: I-95 Runs Through It
The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation seeks qualifications to plan an open space connection between Center City and its waterfront. I-95, which runs parallel to the Delaware River inside the city, currently cuts off waterfront access.
The World's Largest Architecture Firms
Vanessa Quirk discusses the results of Building Design's annual listing of the largest architecture firms in the world. The architecture and engineering behemoth Aecom has claimed top spot (up from number 2 last year) with 1,370 employees.
Should Rio's Event-Oriented Investment Be Spread More Widely?
As Rio de Janiero prepares for the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics, the city is pursuing several "flagship urban renovation and transportation projects." Should this investment extend to the millions living in low-income bedroom communities?
Effort to Bring Internet to Rural America Becomes $4 Billion Headache
A $4 billion federal program was supposed to provide access to job opportunities, education resources, health care and government services via high-speed Internet to rural Americans. Questions are now being raised about how that money has been spent.
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Form-Based Codes Lite
There may be a way to supply some of the benefits of form-based codes without heavy-handed aesthetic regulation. In theory, a form-based code could be limited to verifiable characteristics such as setbacks, yard types, building height, frontage size and lot coverage.
Successful Strategies for Building Up the Suburbs
A new report from the Urban Land Institute highlights successful strategies for adapting the infrastructure of America's suburbs to accommodate a densification of development.
Shuttered Schools a Growing Challenge in Cities Across the U.S.
Although young adults and baby boomers are flocking back to America's cities, declines in K-12 enrollment are causing many cities to close their schools. A new report looks at the commons challenges in finding new uses for these buildings.
Chinese Economists Call for Fundamental Reforms to Fight Urban Income Gap
Following the Chinese government’s pledge to address its growing urban income gap, India’s The Economic Times suggest that current proposals do not go far enough.
Can Redevelopment Heal Kent's Old Wounds?
A $110 million mixed-use development being built in the center of Kent, Ohio is being touted as the gateway to a new economic era, and is helping the city's major institutions put a four-decade-old tragedy behind them, reports Keith Schneider.
Australian Wind Energy Cheaper Than Coal and Natural Gas
In carbon-tax friendly Australia wind energy production is now cheaper than coal and natural gas.
Will Congress Pass Up Historic Infrastructure-Building Opportunity?
President Obama will reportedly call for new infrastructure investment in tonight's State of the Union address. Is there any reason to think that Congress will take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure?
Connections, Community, and the Science of Loneliness
Can urban form help address the loneliness that so often accompanies aging? In a new blog post, Hazel Borys examines some remedies for severed connections.
The Little Bike-Share That Could
Chattanooga didn't let its small population, sprawling environment, and weak cycling culture prevent the city from implementing a small-scale bike-share system. Their experience could hold lessons for other small cities that want jump in the saddle.
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The Conundrum of local food and/vs. sustainability
Most plants grown for food require significant amounts of water - water that Los Angeles doesn't have. How does one identify the point at which local isn't sustainable?
The World's Most Non-Urban Settlements
From an underwater laboratory located in the U.S. Virgin Islands to a research station built on a 10,500-foot high ice plateau in Antarctica, Gizmodo has assembled the "20 loneliest outposts at the end of the world."
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.
