As the government and real estate developers continue to demolish China's ancient walled cities at an alarming rate, conservationists and residents are left to pick up the pieces.
"Fifty years ago...China had 300 walled cities. Now only four are left....Of China's 2,000 historic cities, only 100 have survived, and of these...only about 20 have been preserved in anything like their original state." Academics, conservationists and residents have reached out to local governments "to protect their old buildings in the midst of real estate frenzy which has enabled some property developers to become billionaires." Instead, local governments in China, such as Zhouzhuang, are choosing to demolish remnants of the past, and put replicas of old buildings in their place, along with shops and restaurants, and other attractions that would draw in tourists.
Thanks to Connie Chung
FULL STORY: Faking it: Chinese burn their bridges with the past
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
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?
Paris Voters Approve More Car-Free Streets
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo says the city will develop a plan to close 500 streets to car traffic and add new bike and pedestrian infrastructure after a referendum on the proposal passed with 66 percent of the vote.
Making Mobility More Inclusive
A new study highlights the challenges people with disabilities continue to face in navigating urban spaces.
Texas Bills Could Push More People Into Homelessness
A proposal to speed up the eviction process and a bill that would accelerate enforcement of an existing camping ban could make the state’s homelessness crisis worse, advocates say.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service