Blair Kamin reviews the new design for a landmark McDonald's in Chicago.
" Chicago has had a lot of missed design opportunities in its history -- indeed, an entire exhibition of them, "Unbuilt Chicago," is now on display at the Art Institute of Chicago -- but this ranks as one of the most bone-headed.
McDonald's couldn't let go of its brand so it couldn't embrace the future. Economics trumped aesthetics. Nostalgia won out over modernity.
Modernity is about engaging how we live now and using the latest forms and technologies to take the everyday grind of life and turn it into art. Modernity expands perceptions. Nostalgia confines them by serving up sentimental, saccharine versions of reality."
Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan
FULL STORY: A ground beef

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?

Portland Raises Parking Fees to Pay for Street Maintenance
The city is struggling to bridge a massive budget gap at the Bureau of Transportation, which largely depleted its reserves during the Civd-19 pandemic.

Spokane Mayor Introduces Housing Reforms Package
Mayor Lisa Brown’s proposals include deferring or waiving some development fees to encourage more affordable housing development.

Houston Mayor Kills Another Bike Lane
The mayor rejected a proposed bike lane in the Montrose district in keeping with his pledge to maintain car lanes.
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.
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont