The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Friday Funny: 15 Mid-Century Modern Death Traps
With their flexible open spaces, right angles, and expanses of glass, mid-century modern houses are coveted by those homeowners with a keen design sense. And, as Projectophile illustrates, it's best if those homeowners don't have children.
Amtrak: A Victim of its Own Success
At a recent congressional hearing, Amtrak president Joseph Boardman told Senators that the railroad is facing a 'crisis of success.' Amtrak's increasing ridership, especially in the Northeast Corridor, will lead to deteriorating service, he warned.
Is the Bangladesh Building Collapse the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire of This Century?
As the death tool passes 300 from the horrific collapse of an 8-story garment factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh, thoughts turn to New York City's Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire of 1911. Can some good follow this disaster, as it did in New York?
As Natural Gas Prices Rise, Utilities Turn Toward Coal
An Ohio utility is switching to coal due to the rising price of natural gas, illustrating how sensitive fuel prices are to utilities. However, when it comes to building new plants - natural gas has the advantage due to coal's higher capital costs.
Lighting Revolution Produces Radiant Visions of Our Future
The technological advances transforming "Edison’s 130-year-old industry" promise to revolutionize the way light is integrated in our homes, workplaces, and cities.
Bogota Plans Mass Tactical Urbanism Offensive
This weekend, Bogota, Colombia will launch its second 100en1día (100 in 1 day) event, a blitz of urban interventions meant to multiply the impact of citywide citizen activism exponentially. Cities across the world are following their lead.
Get Ready for 'Divvy', Chicago's Soon to Launch Bike-Share System
Jon Hilkevitch details the roll-out of the Second City's first bike-share system. The handsome three-speed bikes painted in "Chicago blue" will start appearing on city streets in June.
Driverless Cars Are Coming, But They'll Bring Congestion and More Fuel Consumption
Although driverless vehicles are being touted for their potential to reduce congestion and fuel consumption, among other benefits, Casey B. Mulligan argues they'll actually induce the reverse.
'Stroller Index': A Thermometer for Measuring the Health of Your Neighborhood
According to Mark Funkhouser, former mayor of Kansas City, there may be no better measure of a city's livability than whether parents want to raise children there. He explains why everyone benefits when sidewalks are filled with baby strollers.
Is There a Future for Low-Rise High-Density Housing?
An exhibit that's just opened at NYC's Center for Architecture examines the brief history of a housing type that incorporated elements of suburban housing at higher densities. Can low-rise high-density houding provide a model for affordable infill?
Thanks to SF's Cable Cars, Bell Tolls for City's Public Transit
They're a global icon of the City by the Bay and one of San Francisco's premier tourist attractions. Operating at a loss, the city's cable cars are also draining resources from more essential forms of public transit, writes Joe Eskenazi.
Do Immigrants Help or Hurt America's Urban Economies?
As Congress debates immigration reform, Richard Florida explains why more liberal policies could be a boon for America's cities by examining the connection between foreign-born populations and economic outcomes.
Why the New Digital Displays at Your Train Stop Are Already Out of Date
Near Field Communication (NFC) technology is making it possible for transit riders to get updated schedule information simply by waving their phones at "smart tags." Are digital displays doomed?
America's Most Polluted Cities
Despite better news all around for the quality of the air in America's urban environs, there is still much work to be done, especially for those making the American Lung Association's annual survey of the country's most polluted cities.
A PAC You Might Actually Want to Donate To
StreetsPAC, a new political action committee launched this week, seeks to mobilize New York City residents, and back candidates, who support bike and pedestrian infrastructure.
Integrating Conservation into Planning Processes
Conservation areas can provide a variety of benefits to localities, including improving public health, raising property values, and sustaining ecosystems. Proactive conservation strategies are the best way to ensure those benefits accrue.
Impacts of Redlining Live On in Home Price Disparity
According to a new study by the National Bureau of Economic Research, historical biases lead to minority homebuyers paying an average of 3.5 percent more for their homes than whites, reports Matt Bevilacqua.
Can One Dogged Enthusiast Polish Olmsted's Tarnished Chicago Jewel?
On Chicago's South Side, Jackson Park once inspired million of visitors to the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, including a young Frank Lloyd Wright. After years of neglect, Robert Karr Jr. wants to revitalize the park along a Japanese theme.
Greek Financial Crisis Inspires Inexpensive Urbanism
Vivian Doumpa looks at three examples of bottom-up urban interventions completed in Greece, which show that a font of citizen spirit and ingenuity can help overcome the most draconian austerity measures.
Highway Trust Fund in Need of Multi-Billion Dollar Bailout
A new report from the Congressional Budget Office concludes that drastic reductions in transportation spending and/or increases in the federal gas tax will be needed unless another multi-billion dollar bailout is provided for the Highway Trust Fund.
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
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.
