In the wake of recent tragedy, cities like Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia still take pride in their architectural heritage. Debate abounds over whether modern architecture should be given freer rein.
Charleston, South Carolina has been much in the news over the recent tragedy at Emanuel AME Church. Many have criticized symbols associated with the historical South, such as the Confederate battle flag. But even before the shooting, residents were debating historical preservation and change. "CBS Sunday Morning recently took a look at two Southern cities trying to strike a balance between remembering their roots and promoting progress."
Charleston Mayor Joe Riley worries that clinging to local architecture could condemn the city to museum status. "'A historic city should be a living place,' Riley told CBS. 'Because if you don't have that, then it's a former something. A former once-great city that now is pretty to see."
Savannah residents are also searching for a middle ground. "Christian Sottile, dean of the School of Building Arts at the Savannah College of Art and Design, touts his city's holistic approach. 'We actually like to use the term creative preservation,' Sottile told CBS. 'Historic is looking backwards, and preservation sounds like you're just kind of hanging on.' [...]"
FULL STORY: Southern Rivals Struggle to Balance Historic Preservation and Modern Architecture
Opinion: New Construction Is Safer, Better for the Environment
The emotional attachment to old homes can obscure the benefits of new buildings, which consume less energy and provide more amenities for residents.
Preservation and Redevelopment Can Work Hand in Hand
While historic preservation is often perceived to be a hinderance to development efforts, preserving buildings actually helps economic development, say advocates.
What Yesterday’s Elections Results Mean for Cities and City Government Across the U.S.
If you can make it past rhetoric around healthcare, abortion, collective bargaining, and immigration, the November 8th election results tell a more cohesive and calming story about American’s political sentiment.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The 120 Year Old Tiny Home Villages That Sheltered San Francisco’s Earthquake Refugees
More than a century ago, San Francisco mobilized to house thousands of residents displaced by the 1906 earthquake. Could their strategy offer a model for the present?
In Both Crashes and Crime, Public Transportation is Far Safer than Driving
Contrary to popular assumptions, public transportation has far lower crash and crime rates than automobile travel. For safer communities, improve and encourage transit travel.
Report: Zoning Reforms Should Complement Nashville’s Ambitious Transit Plan
Without reform, restrictive zoning codes will limit the impact of the city’s planned transit expansion and could exclude some of the residents who depend on transit the most.
Judge Orders Release of Frozen IRA, IIJA Funding
The decision is a victory for environmental groups who charged that freezing funds for critical infrastructure and disaster response programs caused “real and irreparable harm” to communities.
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.
Clanton & Associates, Inc.
Jessamine County Fiscal Court
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service