An old-fashioned community barn-raising in Masonville, Texas could in fact be a glimpse of the future.
"Through one lens, the scene at Bill Taylor's home Tuesday could have been a glance into the turn of the 20th century. Workers used pulleys and ropes to hoist pieces of apricot-colored timber 30 feet high, guiding it into pre-cut slots that fit just so, like a larger-than-life Lincoln Logs set."
"The only evidence that this was not a 19th-century barn-raising was the fact that Taylor's Belgian draft horses were not the ones hoisting the wood with block and tackle. That job was left to the fuel-powered crane."
"Through another lens, however, this modern barn-raising was a perfect window into the early 21st century West. Aside from the obvious Industrial Age machinery, there was the word on everyone's lips: the environment.
When it comes to buildings, old is new again, and green is the new "new urbanism.""
FULL STORY: ‘Old-fashioned’ barn raising may be harbinger of building styles to come
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.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie