Usually planners get involved in the allocation and details of creating both public and private spaces for groups of people engaged in a wide range of variety of activities.
Usually planners get involved in the allocation and details of creating both public and private spaces for groups of people engaged in a wide range of variety of activities.
Recently, I learned some basic nomenclature about people gathering from my 16 year old son that seemed interesting about sizing a crowd.
He said that if I ever get a text message saying: "Hey, we're fill in the blank. Come on by." I could expect that this many people to be there:
Event or Activity Size
Chillin' or Hanging Out = 1-3 people
Having a Kick Back = 3-9 people
At a Party = 10 people or more
Now, if we account for the normal social pressures of school, dating, drugs, sports, parents, driving and the internet, then this simple form of everyday teen communication helps teens know what they are getting into and hopefully make responsible choices. For planners, it's nice for us to know that although language might change a bit; getting people together means pretty much the same as always.
There's probably a lot more technical information that can be written on this topic about design day criteria, instantaneous capacity, square footage requirements, security and long lines at bathrooms – but I have to leave now for an afternoon ‘kick back'.
For Planners, Investment in Social Media Pays Dividends
With the right approach, social media can expedite the exchange of information between stakeholders, facilitate participatory planning, and build better places. Two case studies offer insight for using social media to connect with communities.
Social Media Becomes Force for Improving Developing Cities
Luis Alberto Moreno explores how Facebook and Twitter are improving cities in the developing world, as the governments of many Latin American municipalities take advantage of the explosive growth of social media to engage with citizens.
Social Networking for Skyscrapers
Mary Newsom recently argued that social networking tools like Facebook and Twitter don't create a "third place". But what if the network is hyperlocal, like within a skyscraper? STACKD is a new site that does just that.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Coming Soon to Ohio: The Largest Agrivoltaic Farm in the US
The ambitious 6,000-acre project will combine an 800-watt solar farm with crop and livestock production.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
California Grid Runs on 100% Renewable Energy for Over 9 Hours
The state’s energy grid was entirely powered by clean energy for some portion of the day on 37 out of the last 45 days.
New Forecasting Tool Aims to Reduce Heat-Related Deaths
Two federal agencies launched a new, easy-to-use, color-coded heat warning system that combines meteorological and medical risk factors.
AI Traffic Management Comes to Dallas-Fort Worth
Several Texas cities are using an AI-powered platform called NoTraffic to help manage traffic signals to increase safety and improve traffic flow.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Write for Planetizen
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.
