A floating city has been proposed to help ease some of the problems being faced by earthquake-damaged Haiti. But is this the answer the struggling country needs?
The City Fix's Erica Schlaikjer takes a look at the idea, how relevant it would be and how it compares to other similar ideas.
"The 'Harvest City,' as it is called, was recently profiled in Inhabitat as a 'key player in Haiti's recovery.' Developed by Boston-based architect E. Kevin Schopfer and Tangram 3DS, the city is a collection of man-made 'islands,' or floating modules, spanning two miles, that would be secured to the bottom of the ocean by a cable designed to withstand hurricanes and typhoons. (Although, what happens when, God forbid, a tsunami hits?) Each island would be divided into four zones connected by a canal system. The city would be dedicated mostly to farming, with one-third of the economy involved in 'light industry.' Schopfer says he also hopes that Harvest City will be established as a 'charter city,' which would serve 'as an example of a new and advanced economic model specifically developed for struggling nations.'
Inhabitat says Harvest City 'would be a place for Haitians to live and start their lives again.' But what about their current quality of life? Does the prospect of a futuristic development assume that Haitians aren't 'living' to the fullest now? Why wait to renew their health and happiness?"
Read the full story: Floating City for Haiti: Does it Hold Water?
Caribbean Islands Brace for Irma as Florida Prepares
As Houston and East Texas recover from Hurricane Harvey, an even stronger hurricane has formed in the Atlantic Ocean, headed to the Caribbean Sea, and likely Florida by this weekend, though there is uncertainty where it goes next.
City Life in the Republic of NGOs
Haiti's weak government and heavy foreign aid presence has led some to refer to it as the "Republic of NGOs." Satellite explored how this dynamic plays out in the small city of Fort-Liberté, which has been shaken by recent protests over electricity.
Haitians Lay Foundation for Hope 5 Years After Earthquake
Despite what some see as slow progress five years after an earthquake rocked Haiti, architect and sustainability consultant Dave Hampton writes about how he and others see hope for the future.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement
The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.
Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion
Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.
NYC DOT wants faster, more permanent street upgrades
The city is examining ways to build more concrete infrastructure without getting entangled in 'decades-long' projects.
'Something we’ve never seen before:' rising utility rates could strain city finances nationwide
Data centers, climate change and other factors have caused utility rates in the United States to increase by 38% since 2020.
Trump to overrule local leaders, lease millions of acres of America’s Pacific Island territories’ seafloors to mining companies
International law says that the Indigenous people of America’s territories have a right to prior and informed consent regarding projects that impact their countries.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
KFH Group Inc.
Greater Baltimore Committee
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello