Earth-sheltered houses save some residents of Longmont, CO from excessive heat and cold while cutting energy bills.
Built during the 70s Arab oil embargo to save on energy bills, residents of rural colorado are again enjoying the benefits of using natural materials and innovative technology to save on expenses while adding comfort. With no change in weather patterns or oil prices in sight, such environmental innovations may become more common.
"Like all earth-sheltered homes... is built into a knoll on the north. Double-paned 4-by-8-foot windows cover the south side of the house, and six overhead skylights fill the interior with sunshine. ... the prominent south-facing windows don't take in as much heat or light in the summer when the sun is higher in the sky. The earth packed around the outer walls on the north and east sides of the house keep the place cool."
FULL STORY: Staying Grounded
The City of Broken Sidewalks
Can Los Angeles fix 4,000 miles of broken sidewalks before the city hosts the 2028 Olympic Games?
Shifts in Shopping: Transforming Malls Into Parks
Maybe zombie malls still have a second life — one with a little greenery.
Major US Cities Still Suffering Downtown Decline
Research shows that the “donut effect” hollowing out central business districts since the pandemic continues to cause economic decline in the 12 largest American cities.
Why Traffic Never Gets Better
Despite abundant research showing that roadway expansions provide limited congestion relief and increase long-term traffic problems, they still occur due to wishful thinking: advocates claim that “this” project is different.
San Francisco Tops ‘Urban Mobility Readiness’ List
An annual analysis of global cities assesses public transit, technology, and sustainability.
Bike-Mounted Sensor Could Improve Safety for Cyclists
A new camera technology can detect when vehicles pass too close to people on bikes.
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.
City of Prescott
Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
Village of Glen Ellyn
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
CORP - COnsulting Research Projects
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners