If you've been waiting for a nice crossover of the Star Wars universe and the planning and urban design universe, here it is.
Alissa Walker writes a humorous post about some of the hullabaloo surrounding the recent release of the Rogue One trailer. It seems the new trailer has inspired some commentary that some of the new scenes, set on the original Death Star before Luke Skywalker [spoiler redacted] in Episode IV, was filmed in a London Tube station.
Walker, who adopts a deadpanned satirical voice for the post, refutes these claims: "Everyone knows that the Death Star has an incredibly comprehensive public transit system—possibly the best in the universe."
Walker proceeds to detail the engineering and planning marvel that is the Death Star's fast, efficient light-rail transit system. "After years of proposed routes," writes Walker, "it was determined that the line would prove most effective by allowing easy access to major operational hubs at the Imperial Command Center and Emperor’s Tower, while traveling close to—but not through—the superlaser cannon well." More jokes, of the Star Wars nerd variety and the urban design/planning nerd variety, are included.
FULL STORY: The Death Star Has the Most Impressive Public Transit System in the Galaxy
Friday Funny: Detroit Light Rail in the House
Enjoy this detailed demonstration of Detroit's Light Rail Proposal, using rap and LEGOs to communicate the message that light rail in the center of the road is better than then on the sides.
Phoenix Light Rail Extension Opens
The South Central line extends 5.5 miles of rail into South Phoenix neighborhoods, bringing the city’s total light rail network to 35 miles.
The World’s Longest Light Rail Line is in… Los Angeles?
In a city not known for its public transit, the 48.5-mile A Line is the longest of its kind on the planet.
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.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
Milwaukee Launches Vision Zero Plan
Seven years after the city signed its Complete Streets Policy, the city is doubling down on its efforts to eliminate traffic deaths.
Portland Raises Parking Fees to Pay for Street Maintenance
The city is struggling to bridge a massive budget gap at the Bureau of Transportation, which largely depleted its reserves during the Civd-19 pandemic.
Spokane Mayor Introduces Housing Reforms Package
Mayor Lisa Brown’s proposals include deferring or waiving some development fees to encourage more affordable housing 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.
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
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