Dubai is increasingly attracting architects and planners as a blank slate, and it's becoming a vibrant testing ground for ideas new and extreme.
"The emirate has made its mark on the world stage by creating some of the globe's most iconic buildings. Indeed, one-of-a-kind architecture is a key element of the Dubai "brand," which has attracted architects from around the world, including Canada, to ply their craft, writ large."
"In this wealthy emirate, innovative ideas about function and design are front and centre. Money is no object and even such staid organizations as banks and insurance companies are housed in stunning, eye-catching structures that lend colour and flair to the fast-growing Dubai skyline."
"Over-the-top themed resorts and tourist attractions have grabbed the headlines but there is also a growing demand for commercial space – and that is providing work for an army of consultants, architects and engineers."
FULL STORY: Where architects bring fantasy to reality

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.

The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.

As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.

With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.

In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City
If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)