The Daily Source of Urban Planning News
Toronto Planner Appointed to UK Commission on Architecture
Christopher Hume talks to Joe Berridge, a Toronto planner who has been appointed to Britain's Commission on Architecture and the Built Environment, about the power of urban design.
Millions of Reluctant Landlords
About 2.5 million homes have been converted into rental units since 2007 as homeowners try to wait out the loss in value of their properties, according to a new study.
Watching Where the Water Goes
Monitoring how much water is diverted from rivers and pumped from wells is notoriously difficult. But now, researchers have developed a new way to track usage.
Recession Aids Preservation in Moscow
The economic downturn has brought much development in Moscow to a halt. But for some preservationists, that's a good thing.
Guaranteeing You Won't Get Stranded By Transit
An often cited reason for not using alternative transportation is the unpredictable: what if I need a car for something unexpected? A non-profit is now offering guaranteed rides to those who ride transit, bike, or walk, up to $100 per year.
Deadly Water Going By Unregulated
This investigation from <em>The New York Times</em> examines water pollution records from across the country and finds more than half a million violations that are causing deadly pollution to local water resources.
Rethinking Residential
Can you create a community with design? This is one of the questions raised at a panel hosted by Future Shack, a project sponsored by the Seattle AIA and The Seattle Times to reconsider residential architecture.
Don't Forget Roads, Says Kotkin
Joel Kotkin explains why the Obama Administration's focus on transit is wrong-headed and doesn't do anything for the majority of Americans.
Are Bike Lanes Less Safe?
A new study from the University of Leeds claims that drivers are more careful and leave more room for bikers when there is no bike lane.
BLOG POST
Stress and the city, part 2
<p class="EC_MsoNormal"> Not long ago, I posted on what makes some cities more stressful than others.<span> </span>(See <a href="/40441" target="_blank">http://www.planetizen.com/node/40441</a> ).<span> </span>In that post, I remarked that the ideal objective indicia of stress (resident surveys on crime, illness, etc.) often do not exist for most cities. </p>
Gaming Officials Monkeying With Land Use
In Philadelphia, the Gaming Control Board is made up of 10 men, 9 of which don't live in the city. A recent decision by the board will destroy two planned developments that would have improve Philly's character, says arch. critic Inga Saffron.
Inside David Byrne's Livable City
Using a mishmash of highlights from cities around the world, musician and artist David Byrne talks about his personal vision of a perfect, livable city.
The Road to South Africa's World Cup
South Africa is gearing up to host the 2010 World Cup next June. As it prepares to be the tournament's first African host, the country faces a number of hurdles.
The World's 'First Smart Grid City'
Boulder, Colorado, has become the world's "first fully functioning smart grid enabled city".
Texas Officials Call For End to Border Fence
Texas officials are calling on the federal government to ditch plans to build a pedestrian fence along the U.S.-Mexico border, arguing the fence will not stop illegal crossing.
Bank Executive Blasted for Beachfront Foreclosure Parties
A Wells Fargo executive involved in foreclosures has reportedly been using a foreclosed Malibu, California, estate for personal parties on the weekends.
"Polluted and Dangerous" Abandoned Properties
Tufts urban planning professor Justin Hollander appeared on C-SPAN's Washington Journal to answer questions about his new book, <em>Polluted & Dangerous: America's Worst Abandoned Properties and What Can Be Done About Them.</em>
BLOG POST
An Interview with the Chinese Premier
<p> This interview below with the Chinese Premier offers a preview of the challenges and opportunities that will unfold at the </p> <p> December 2009 UN Climate Conference (see <a href="http://en.cop15.dk/?gclid=CI-ImOyB8JwCFYwwpAodNSUfjQ">http://en.cop15.dk/?gclid=CI-ImOyB8JwCFYwwpAodNSUfjQ</a>) </p> <p> Here is the interview, <a href="http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/opinion/2009-09/14/content_8687301.htm">http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/opinion/2009-09/14/content_8687301.htm</a> </p>
Energy from the Landfill
Landfills produce a lot of methane gas, one of the main greenhouse gases contributing to global warming. In an effort to both reduce that impact and responsibly reuse the gas, some municipalities are converting it into energy.
Proposed Port Threatens Flood-Prone Venice
Plans to construct a new cargo port near Venice has some conservationists up in arms. They say the plans would exacerbate rising water levels and further endanger the flood-prone ancient city.
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.
