These 15 ancient cities can help modern urbanites plan more efficient and sustainable municipalities.
"A study at a US university is the latest to use ancient cities to mine secrets for today's urban centers.
Funded by the US National Science Foundation, a team of scientists at the Global Institute of Sustainability at Arizona State University (ASU) have embarked on a survey of ancient cities titled "Service Access in Pre-Modern Cities."
"The study aims to discern patterns of access to markets, worship sites, and other urban facilities that existed in ancient, non-Western urban areas," writes Mary Jander.
"By looking at archeological records and other data, the ASU team hopes to see how old cities planned access to these services by social class or other factors. In turn, this information could help modern cities set policies about access to similar services that affect the use of resources such as water and energy."
Jander goes on to discuss 15 ancient cities and the lessons they impart on cities of the 21st century.
FULL STORY: 15 Ancient Cities and What They Teach Us
First Cities: Planning Lessons for the 21st Century
A new book about urban planning in the deep human past explores principles, strategies, and lessons relevant for today.
Amazonian Ruins Reveal Ancient ‘Garden Urbanism’
An archaeological site shows evidence of a unique layout of dense residential buildings interspersed with a network of roads and farmland.
Lessons for Software UX From Ancient City Planners
Cities have been designed for user experience (UX) for millennia, and contemporary UX designers have plenty to learn from planners, according to a recent article in Fast Company.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
The Five Most-Changed American Cities
A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.
San Diego Adopts First Mobility Master Plan
The plan provides a comprehensive framework for making San Diego’s transportation network more multimodal, accessible, and sustainable.
Housing, Supportive Service Providers Brace for Federal Cuts
Organizations that provide housing assistance are tightening their purse strings and making plans for maintaining operations if federal funding dries up.
Op-Ed: Why an Effective Passenger Rail Network Needs Government Involvement
An outdated rail network that privileges freight won’t be fixed by privatizing Amtrak.
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.
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions