New Urbanist Steve Mouzon lists the sustainable building trends to watch out for in the new year, including the growth of live/work spaces and a move towards greater durability.
Mouzon writes,
#4: The Return of Durability
"It sounds crazy, but the tough post-Meltdown economy of 2010 looks like it will finally make us buy stuff that's better and more durable, and that just might turn the tide on a throwaway century during which pretty much nothing was designed to last. Here's why: when cash is flowing, we can afford to throw stuff away, but when times are tight, we can't. So although it's more expensive to begin with, it'll be much less costly in the long run."
FULL STORY: the Green Top 10 for 2010
‘Passive House’ Standard Gaining Ground in Multifamily Housing
Developers in Chicago and around the country are taking notice of a design standard that encourages energy efficiency and sustainable materials.
Building Green for Quality of Life Improvements
The quality of life or residents might be the best way to measure the benefits of green building programs, according to the president and CEO of the U.S. Green Building Council.
What if the Greenest Building Isn't the One Already Standing?
Renovating old buildings instead of demolishing them as the better "green" option is preservation orthodoxy. But what if the decision between renovation and demolition is less than clear-cut?
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project
Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.
The City of Broken Sidewalks
Can Los Angeles fix 4,000 miles of broken sidewalks before the city hosts the 2028 Olympic Games?
Why Some Affordable Housing Managers Are Running Education Programs
Many housing organizations are finding that educational programs are a logical — and valuable — addition to their offerings.
Anchorage Bus Depot to Reopen
After a four-year closure, a downtown Anchorage transit center will once again provide indoor waiting areas and services for bus travelers.
Mapping a Greener Future: Cal Poly Tackles Urban Canopy Challenges
Cal Poly, in partnership with Cal Fire, is leading the development of California’s new Strategic Plan for Urban Forestry, combining advanced data tools and interdisciplinary collaboration to expand tree canopy cover.
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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Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
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