Whitney Gould of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel considers the value and opportunities for the renewal of marginal, residual spaces.
"These 'interstitial spaces'...usually the leftovers created by the design of streets or other infrastructure: odd-shaped parcels that nobody takes responsibility for. It's their amorphous, unclaimed quality that makes these places so attractive to designers...." Some designers warn that these overlooked spaces run the risk of overdesign, and suggest instead to enhance the existing, positive qualities of the site. Whitney Gould writes: "You can find...pockets of opportunity all over the city. Once their ownership has been determined and a maintenance plan devised, these accidental spaces can be brought back to life with the help of inspired design, neighborhood collaboration and a little money."
Thanks to Connie Chung
FULL STORY: Pockets of orphaned land are opportunities for lively design
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project
Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.
The City of Broken Sidewalks
Can Los Angeles fix 4,000 miles of broken sidewalks before the city hosts the 2028 Olympic Games?
Why Some Affordable Housing Managers Are Running Education Programs
Many housing organizations are finding that educational programs are a logical — and valuable — addition to their offerings.
Anchorage Bus Depot to Reopen
After a four-year closure, a downtown Anchorage transit center will once again provide indoor waiting areas and services for bus travelers.
Mapping a Greener Future: Cal Poly Tackles Urban Canopy Challenges
Cal Poly, in partnership with Cal Fire, is leading the development of California’s new Strategic Plan for Urban Forestry, combining advanced data tools and interdisciplinary collaboration to expand tree canopy cover.
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.
Village of Glen Ellyn
City of Laramie
American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners