Much of the United States went through a cold snap in recent days. How many of you transit commuters sought refuge under heat lamps this week?
Dawn Rhodes shares a little scientific insight into how the "orange-ish glow" of infared heat lamps actually warm commuters: " The infrared light, though not as luminous as an incandescent bulb at home, still creates loads of energy that can warm a commuter — just not the way you might have expected."
The surprise is just how the warming process works. Rhodes quotes Brian Cannon, assistant professor of physics at Loyola University Chicago to explain: "Our skin tissue is primarily water….Water molecules on our skin are able to absorb that light, which makes them move faster. That increased motion is what heat is."
Rhodes goes on to explain a bit more about how the heat lamps work as well as details about the operation of heating facilities around Chicago.
Read the full story: Do those CTA heat lamps really make you feel warmer?
Chicago Transit Increasing Rail Service to Pre-Pandemic Levels
The Chicago Transit Authority is close to returning both rail and bus service to pre-pandemic schedules, with some adjustments for new travel demand.
Chicago Announces First Five ‘Better Streets for Buses’ Corridors
The CTA will develop a series of options for improving bus service on key transit corridors.
Study: Loss of Public Transit in Chicago Would Have ‘Severe’ Mobility, Economic Consequences
The first-of-it’s kind study found that without public transit, Chicago would lose an estimated $35 billion in economic activity annually and the quality of life of residents, particularly women and low-income groups, would take a major hit.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Eastern Nebraska is running out of electricity
Data centers and electrification are straining eastern Nebraska’s grid, throttling economic development.
Move over, LA: St. Louis gears up for Olympics, invests millions in downtown redevelopment
The Missouri city will host the 2028 Olympic soccer group stage and knockout matches.
Dallas releases zoning code overhaul to officials
The drafted overhaul is over 400 pages long.
NYC renovations for dangerous, ‘mercilessly crammed’ street delayed until 2027
Construction was supposed to begin this fall.
San Diego’s Midway Rising project gets greenlight from city council
The project looks to become the largest affordable housing development in California's history.
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.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello