Los Angeles' "starchitects" create trophy projects which are often disconnected from their urban planning context.
This is starchitecture that pushes the aesthetic frontier but also evidences the self-indulgence that can result from the cult of celebrity and genius. And theres a strain of machismo running through these trophy buildings, as cocky and detached as they are from the surrounding neighborhoods... Nor do these architects or buildings really address one of the central challenges posed by L.A.s built environment... This is architecture dominated by aesthetic considerations let the client buy the land and the community serve as blank canvas. What about urbanism? What about architecture that acknowledges context and history and is knit into the urban fabric?... Part of the problem is the estrangement between architecture and urban planning."
Thanks to The Practice of New Urbanism
FULL STORY: Brave New Cityscape

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?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

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.
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.
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