While some believe imitation to be the ultimate form of flattery, others describe it as a foolish attempt to replicate the past.
Some say duplicating the French Quarter is a good idea, while others say it's not supposed to be that way. Either way, the debate whether New Urbanism design is good for the Gulf region continues.
River Ranch, a newer residential development 130km away from New Orleans is at the center of the latest controversy. While its attractors feel that the project's emulation of the French Quarter's architecture, with its charm and easy livability, should be used as a model for rebuilding New Orleans.
"[Yet,] River Ranch has disturbed others who [see] it as the design equivalent of cubic zirconium, the epitome of what many in New Orleans hope the rebuilt city will never be: an imitation New Orleans, a pretty postcard version of a real city."
FULL STORY: Replica of New Orleans: A Study in Urban Cloning

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.
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