Columnist E. Thomas McClanahan reviews a new public space in Kansas City, and finds a lot to like in the urban design.
"A warm afternoon. The sound of laughter wafts from the open portals of a nearby bar. On the street outside, workers occasionally outnumber visitors on the wide sidewalks.
The Power & Light District opened for business several weeks ago, even though it remains unfinished. Many of the venues are still under construction, notably those in the blocks west of Main Street.
It may be a work in progress, but the district has already transformed a once-crumbling part of the city. While it must prove its long-term financial viability, from an urban-design standpoint the project is an outstanding success, a fine example of effective civic art."
FULL STORY: Power & Light District is an urban-design standout
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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.
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