An Israeli-born architect shows how the built form can be used for purposes of oppression, and how the contemporary emphasis on urban warfare has given military planners a better understanding of cities than design professionals.
"Designers of the spatial landscape have never been architects," says architect Eyal Weizman, "but rather politicians and military men. Right now, most research on urban planning is carried out by soldiers and officers in uniform. Wars take place in urban areas and the army studies the city, the infrastructure layout, the built-up areas and the public expanse to know how to tear down and how to gain control, and it has a better understanding than do the architects. It is a parallel world to architecture, a mirror world of it."
Thanks to Michael Dudley
FULL STORY: Surroundings / A parallel world
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.
Since Zion's Shuttles Went Electric “The Smog is Gone”
Visitors to Zion National Park can enjoy the canyon via the nation’s first fully electric park shuttle system.
Trump Distributing DOT Safety Funds at 1/10 Rate of Biden
Funds for Safe Streets and other transportation safety and equity programs are being held up by administrative reviews and conflicts with the Trump administration’s priorities.
German Cities Subsidize Taxis for Women Amid Wave of Violence
Free or low-cost taxi rides can help women navigate cities more safely, but critics say the programs don't address the root causes of violence against women.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie