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Taming the Office Park

Most attempts to regulate suburban development have focused on containing the growth of suburban housing. But such regulation, by restricting the supply of buildable land, risks incresing housing prices. And from a more libertarian perspective, an individual's interest in choosing to "drive to qualify" may seem quite appealing. Attempts to regulate commercial suburban development do not involve the same sentimental considerations as limits on residential development, but do risk increasing prices for commercial land, thus increasing prices for everything else.

February 3 - Michael Lewyn

How We Eat May Be Biggest Impact of Urbanization on Nature

This post from The Nature Conservancy examines the impact of urbanization on nature and finds that our rising food needs will be one of the most important implications.

February 3 - The Nature Conservancy

Was High-Speed Rail Investment Worthwhile?

National Journal asks its panel of transportation experts whether the Obama Administration's recent announcement of high-speed rail funding projects is really a wise investment.

February 3 - National Journal

Through the Eyes of the Elderly

This article recalls the story of Patricia Moore, who dressed up as an 80-year-old woman to better understand how the elderly interact with products and the built environment.

February 3 - California College of the Arts

How Mobile Apps Will Change Your City

Gigaom looks at a handful of "augmented reality" apps, both current and projected, that create an interface between the internet and the world around us.

February 3 - Gigaom

15% of Cities Vacant or Abandoned

That's according to the National Vacant Properties Campaign. But there is a glimmer of hope as cases of 'temporary urbanism' and 'pop-up stores' fill the void.

February 2 - Governing Magazine

HSR Funds Better Spent on Local Transit, Says Editorial

The St. Louis Post Dispatch laments the $1.1 billion the St.Louis to Chicago corridor received for high speed rail, wishing it had gone to worthier projects such as subsidizing local public transit.

February 2 - St.Louis Post-Dispatch

Pedestrians in the Sky

Pedestrians, street vendors, scooters and squatters all compete for space on the gridlocked sidewalks of Mumbai, where nearly 60% of the population travels by foot. Solution? 50 elevated walkways, or "skywalks."

February 2 - TheCityFix.com

The World's Largest Haitian Diaspora Looks On

Architect and urban designer Hector Fernando Burga looks at Haiti through the lens of a Haitian enclave in Miami and wonders what role designers can play in the devastated country's revival.

February 2 - Places

Birth Rates Falling and Cities Failing

Birth rates are dropping across Europe, and some cities are on the verge of collapse because of it. Exhibit A: Hoyerswerda, Germany.

February 2 - Guardian

Integrating Technology in an Instant City

Technology is going to be deeply integrated within New Songdo City, an instant city developing on a man-made island off the coast of Korea.

February 2 - Fast Company

Vancouver in Cinemascope

With the Winter Olympics fast approaching, the editor of Vancouver Magazine takes a shot at capturing the big picture of the city that has become a model for planners everywhere.

February 2 - The Walrus

Nevada Passed Over for High-Speed Rail

The Department of Transportation has decided that the proposed Las Vegas - Southern California maglev train was not far enough along to be eligible for funding, which is meant to go towards more immediate solutions.

February 2 - Las Vegas Review-Journal

High Speed Rail Needs High Class Stations

Chicago Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin argues that America's foray into high speed rail should also focus on the rail stations and user experience in addition to the speed.

February 2 - Chicago Tribune