The Salk is an exceptional world-class space, and it is accessible, but it is not a public space, writes urban designer Howard Blackson, III.

The Salk Institute in La Jolla, with its combination of concrete and granite perched at the ocean's edge, is striking in the tension between modern design and nature.
However, Blackson posits that the juxtaposition between what is modern and the natural landscape is not the only tension around the landmark building. There also is a tension around the idea that the Salk Institute is a private place with limited public access.
As extraordinarily as the Salk is, it isn't nearly as extraordinary as simple public space in the United States. Placemaking has a hierarchy of value. Less at the private, a little more to the semi-private, to the most at the public realm.
Placemaking is about tapping into the connection between public space and the community around it, something that is counter to a private/public project.
Writes Blackson: "The idea of ‘public space’ is a relatively new with its revolutionary genesis in our country found in Frederick Law Olmsted’s ‘Central Park’ and Yosemite Valley national park plan. While the Salk Institute is a powerful place, true public space is decidedly more powerful, transcendental and revolutionary."
FULL STORY: Beyond Lou Kahn

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.

The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.

Seattle's Plan for Adopting Driverless Cars
Equity, safety, accessibility and affordability are front of mind as the city prepares for robotaxis and other autonomous vehicles.

As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.

With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
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)