What is the magic formula for high-quality urban design? Indianapolis' Urban Design Oversight Committee has preliminary answers.
The Indianapolis Urban Design Oversight Committee's 38 members are from a variety of fields: "It includes a strong sampling of architects, designers of one sort or another and commercial developers. It also includes members of the philanthropic community, the sort of folks whose presence lends an aura of selfless concern, as well as government officials and public agency staffers... It may seem obvious that the public wants a beautiful city, but which of the several competing concepts of architectural beauty will the public's eyes behold? And by what process should that decision be made?... To at least attempt to unravel these issues, the UDOC commissioned two studies of the review process here and elsewhere... In the end, it is the mayor who enables, if not creates, the vision of urban design and development. Without that leadership, Indianapolis' design standards are only worth the paper they aren't yet printed on."
Thanks to Chris Steins
FULL STORY: http://www.indystar.com/articles/0/155610-8460-065.html
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