Monday’s Boston Marathon bombing was “an attack on public space,” writes architecture critic Christopher Hawthorne. But that doesn’t mean we should respond by closing off the sidewalks and streets the bombers targeted.
Unlike the September 11, 2001 attacks, which targeted architecture itself, the Marathon bombs went after the city’s streets, what Louis Kahn called “room[s] of agreement.” If the long-term effects of Monday’s attack include reversing the contemporary revival of public space, the community-building aspects of urban space celebrated by Kahn and others will suffer damage.
“It is at times like these that the idea of the open, urban and democratic street . . . is more vulnerable and more valuable than ever,” Hawthorne argues.
FULL STORY: Keeping the idea of city streets safe in Boston Marathon aftermath
Strengthening Responses, Rather than Prevention, Seen as the Key to Combating Terrorism
Having the resources and training to adequately respond to bombings and incidents of mass violence are more effective than trying to prevent every act of terrorism from happening, says public safety authority.
Building Secure Yet Welcoming Public Spaces
Strategies for securing public spaces from vehicle attacks and other acts of terrorism without sacrificing accessible, vibrant urban places.
Pedestrians and Cyclists: The New Norm For Terrorist Targets?
Eight people enjoying the Hudson River Greenway in lower Manhattan on Tuesday in the shadow of the World Trade Centered were intentionally mowed down and killed by a driver in a rented pickup truck, following an ISIS playbook that targets pedestrians
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Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
Portland Raises Parking Fees to Pay for Street Maintenance
The city is struggling to bridge a massive budget gap at the Bureau of Transportation, which largely depleted its reserves during the Civd-19 pandemic.
Spokane Mayor Introduces Housing Reforms Package
Mayor Lisa Brown’s proposals include deferring or waiving some development fees to encourage more affordable housing development.
Houston Mayor Kills Another Bike Lane
The mayor rejected a proposed bike lane in the Montrose district in keeping with his pledge to maintain car lanes.
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.
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont