Structural insulated panels are being considered by many in the Inland Empire of Southern California as an energy-efficient, affordable housing design solution.
In the Inland Empire, where housing prices have escalated along with new construction, many are considering structural insulated panel construction in residential development. "Because of the foam core insulation and Lego-like, snap-together construction, the structural panel homes are 15 times more airtight than traditional homes and are highly energy efficient." The panels are beneficial to California, in particular, as structural panel homes can withstand earthquakes and meet fire safety codes. "Legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright in the 1930s built one of the first homes made from structural insulated panels. But the method has captured the interest of consumers on a large scale only within the past five to 10 years as technology improved and more panel manufacturers set up shop...."
Thanks to Connie Chung
FULL STORY: California a niche for new home materials

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

The Five Most-Changed American Cities
A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.

Rethinking Computing: Researchers Tackle AI’s Energy Demands
USC researchers are reimagining how AI systems are trained and powered — through smarter algorithms, innovative hardware, and brain-inspired designs — to dramatically reduce computing’s energy footprint.

Amazon-Owned Robotaxis to Begin Testing in LA
Los Angeles will become the sixth city where Zoox is testing its autonomous vehicle technology.

New York MTA Says No More Borrowing, Will Cut Costs Instead
The agency says it won’t take out any new loans to finance its planned improvements and is finding other ways to cut costs.
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.
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions