Contemporary architecture needs to reacquaint itself with the creation of beautiful and people-friendly spaces, argues columnist E. Thomas McClanahan.
"What makes some public spaces lively and some devoid of life? Many architects have only minimal interest in such questions, and judging by the projects they turn out, it's as if they believe contemporary architecture is above such concerns.
In Kansas City, for example, the streets adjoining the recently completed addition to our convention complex are utterly dead."
"The Los Angeles Times' architecture critic, Christopher Hawthorne, recently published a meditation on issues raised by ugly buildings, prompted by a local contest to name the city's ugliest structure.
He hinted that perhaps, as in the world of painting, it may be time to back away from the notion of "ugly-chic" and "start talking again about beauty."
Beauty in architecture? What a concept. We now pause as many of the architects in the room run screaming for the exits."
FULL STORY: McClanahan: Bring beauty, people back to architecture
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.
San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.
Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.
Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.
Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
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