New mud-brick construction methods could provide an affordable building alternative for the devastated town of Bam in Iran.
Following the recent earthquake in Iran, experts have been researching modern methods to prevent damage in future disasters. "Nader Khalili, an Iranian-born architect based in California, disagrees. He believes his 'super-adobe' building technique is the answer." Using a mixture of concrete, adobe (mud), and barbed wire, he claims to make buildings that look like the original mud structures, but are "strong enough to withstand a pull of 27,000lbs -- equivalent to a concrete-filled truck dangling off a cliff. [The method] has been approved by building authorities in California as safe for the state's earthquake zone."
Thanks to Adam Weiss
FULL STORY: 'I can rebuild city with mud and barbed wire,' says architect

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

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

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.

Car Designs Make it Harder to See Pedestrians
Blind spots created by thicker pillars built to withstand rollover crashes are creating dangerous conditions for people outside vehicles.
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.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie