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.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.
In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won
A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.
Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide
Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.
Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code
The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
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