The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
DC Abuzz With Biking Interest
An event featuring David Byrne ("Bicycle Diaries) in DC brings out hundreds to hear how to take back public streets from the domination of the auto, and green federal transportation policy as well.
Scientologists Fight For Expansion in Sandy Springs
In a close vote last week, the Sandy Springs, Georgia City Council approved a rezoning for a Church of Scientology but rejected the building expansion they were hoping for. The Church plans to sue under RLUIPA.
The Value Of Public Spaces - Spontaneous Celebration!
In this video, a seemingly spontaneous celebration of Hanukkah erupts in a normally sedate Jerusalem public space as masses of people demonstrate their dancing skills to the initial bewilderment, then delight of onlookers.
Utah Approved as Temporary Nuclear Dumping Ground
The state of Utah and the Department of Energy have come to an agreement that will allow depleted uranium storage within the state, at least temporarily. Additional reviews are needed before the state officially stores the nuclear waste permanently.
Planning Utopia
Jeff Speck and Andrés Duany talk about why they wrote their new book The Smart Growth Manual, and why 'planners aren’t going to like it.'
FEATURE
Cultural Competency: A Critical Skill Set For The 21st Century Planner
Understanding the needs of ethnic minorities is critical for contemporary working planners, says Leonardo Vasquez, AICP/PP.
Big Brother is Watching You Ride the Bus
Electronic passes used to board transit systems in the Seattle region could offer a new eye for Big Brother. According to privacy rights activists, the data in the employer-provided passes can be monitored by employers without employees' knowledge.
Architecture's Rise in Visibility, But Not in Power
<em>Los Angeles Times</em> architecture critic Christopher Hawthorne looks back at the past ten years of architecture and sees a growth in the field's importance in the U.S., though not in its power.
Guide to Street Vending and Tenants Rights
These two posts from <em>BLDGBLOG</em> look at an innovative project that visually explains the convoluted policies and rules of New York City tenant rights and street vending regulations.
Worst-Case Tsunami Scenario Mapped
The event of a huge earthquake off the Aleutian Islands could send a devastating tsunami towards the West coast of the U.S. Researchers have released maps of what a worst-case scenario might look like for coastal communities.
The Bizarre Planning of the Las Vegas Monorail
There's a monorail on the Las Vegas Strip. Well, kinda. It's actually behind the casinos and hotels that line the famous strip. This piece from <em>Metropolis</em> explains how it got there and why it's not so good.
Animating Architecture
With computer animation becoming ubiquitous, the usual flythrough no longer makes an impression. Nate Berg looks at the leading edge of architectural animation.
The Absurdity of Stationary Bikes
Cong. Earl Blumenauer, speaking at an event with David Byrne and Janette Sadik-Khan, points out the absurdity of people driving to gyms to hop on stationary bikes. Lack of bicycle infrastructure is to blame, he says.
UK Camera Count Triples in 10 Years
The amount of closed-circuit security cameras operated by local councils in the United Kingdom has nearly tripled over the past 10 years, according to a new report.
San Francisco Claims Treasure Island
The City of San Francisco has secured a deal with the U.S. Navy to purchase Treasure Island, a man-made island in the middle of San Francisco Bay. The city has broad plans to redevelop the site.
Digital Surfaces Pose Opportunities and Challenges
Through advancements in technology, digital facades are becoming significantly easier to implement on a wide variety of architectural projects. Programmable surfaces maybe a big part of the future of buildings.
Happiness More About Schools and Climate Than Family and Friends
A new survey reveals that people feel external factors like weather and stable jobs have more of an effect on their happiness than more personal factors like religion and family.
People Don't Want Density, Says Duany
In an interview with Builder Magazine, Andrés Duany says that citizen participation in one of the biggest roadblocks to smart growth, because people don't understand the benefits yet.
More Bang For Your Buck From Transit Spending Over Highways
A new study shows that stimulus funds spent on public transportation were a more effective job creator than stimulus funds spent on highways.
So Cal's Infrastructure A Mess, Says New Report
A new report from The Road Information Program, a D.C.-area nonprofit, documents the growing number of highway, bridge and transit systems in need of repair in Southern California and lacking the necessary funding.
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.
