The recent building spree of high rises in Philadelphia requires more oversight from planners if it is to truly benefit the city, argues one critic.
"Although some Philadelphians will object to any tall building, it's hard to deny that the recent crop of high-rises in Center City and along the rivers has brought an infusion of new glamour and vigor. Tall buildings concentrate a lot of people in a small area, helping to support shops, restaurants and lively street life. Densely populated neighborhoods are a great deterrent against crime - the hot-button issue of the summer - because all those eyes on the street make it harder for criminals to do business.
Still, there is also no denying that big buildings leave big footprints. That's why Philadelphia's towers should be reviewed by someone other than an overworked permit examiner sitting in a basement cubicle at the Department of Licenses and Inspections. A high-rise design must do more than simply conform to a generic zoning code; it needs to adhere to Philadelphia's cherished urban values."
FULL STORY: Changing Skyline Towering lack of oversight
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?
Cal Fire Chatbot Fails to Answer Basic Questions
An AI chatbot designed to provide information about wildfires can’t answer questions about evacuation orders, among other problems.
What Happens if Trump Kills Section 8?
The Trump admin aims to slash federal rental aid by nearly half and shift distribution to states. Experts warn this could spike homelessness and destabilize communities nationwide.
Sean Duffy Targets Rainbow Crosswalks in Road Safety Efforts
Despite evidence that colorful crosswalks actually improve intersection safety — and the lack of almost any crosswalks at all on the nation’s most dangerous arterial roads — U.S. Transportation Secretary Duffy is calling on states to remove them.
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