Architecture critic Christopher Hume writes an homage to urban planning icon Jane Jacobs, highlighting the resiliency of her positions on density and diversity.
Jacobs' influence on her adopted hometown of Toronto live on, as do many of the issues she so vehemently advocated against. Christopher Hume of the Toronto Star says her principles of diversity and density are applied when convenient, shunned when not. Her impact remains, but so does the anti-urban bias:
"Death and Life gave shape and form to the idea of the city. It has helped generations understand how the ordinary comings and goings are signs of a healthy city."
"Yet outside the core we continue to practise what the late Metro boss Fred Gardiner once called 'multiplication by subdivision.' For the many who view the city as a Dickensian hell - dirty, dangerous and diseased - fleeing to the 'burbs is as inevitable as marriage and parenthood."
FULL STORY: Death and Life still lives, even in Ford Nation
Jane's Walks Adjusts to Social Distancing
The Jane's Walks festival take place the first weekend of May in cities all over the world. In 2020, social distancing will require a different format for the citizen-led group walk event.
The 'Jane's Walk' Tradition Continues
In honor of the pioneering urbanist, who would have been 101 years old this week, citizens are organizing "Jane's Walks" in cities across the globe.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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)