An unofficial, international competition for the Black Rock City master plan applies the imagination inherent to its setting.
A group of Burning Man participants called the Black Rock City Ministry of Urban Planning held an unofficial design competition to gather inpit on the Black Rock City of dreams.
The results of the competition have been gathered in a book called The Big Book of Ideas. The design range from rough sketches to beautifully detailed renderings, explore the concept of Black Rock City as an imagined space, from straightforward adaptations to the current plan to completely new and science fictional cityscapes," according to the introduction to the book.
In the spirit of Burning Man, the book is available under a Creative Commons license [pdf], so it is free to read.
FULL STORY: The Big Book of Ideas
The Urban Design of Burning Man's Black Rock City
Black Rock City is the temporary city initially designed by Rod Garrett in 1997 that springs up for the annual Burning Man festival. Each year the city expands to accommodate more people, but still retains its core utopian characteristics.
Design Competition Tasked With Finding New Development Life for Dry Phoenix Riverbed
The passing of Senator John McCain has reinvigorated the Rio Reimagined project.
Chicago Launches Design Competition to Redesign O'Hare International Airport
This isn’t a speculative, unfunded design competition. The city has already promised to borrow $4 billion toward the $8.5 billion O'Hare 21 expansion plan.
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project
Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.
Denver's New High-Rise Integrates Vertical Canyon in Architectural Design
Unlike other new builds in Denver, Colorado, a new high-rise reveals a unique “sculptural canyon” running vertically through the facade to foster a sense of community and connection to nature.
A Brief History of Kansas City’s Microtransit
The city’s costly experiment with on-demand transit is yielding to more strategic investment.
Central Ohio Leaders Form Regional Housing Partnership
A new coalition will seek to address growing housing needs and improve affordability by supporting new housing development across the region.
California E-Bike Rebate Program Launches — Again
After a series of fits and starts, CARB says the program will begin accepting applications this month.
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.
Caltrans
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Caltrans
American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners