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.
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.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City
If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
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)