It hasn't always been like this, but in recent years, Vancouver has attracted international talent to design some of its splashiest new projects.

"International architects are leaving their marks on Vancouver’s evolving skyline in a way that is in stark contrast to the urban landscape at the dawn of the century," according to an article by Glen Korstrom.
Bjarke Ingels, Harry Gugger, Ole Scheeren, and Kengo Kuma are mong the international cast of architecture characters who have designed projects for Vancouver in recent years.
They all followed Norman Foster, who designed the Jameson House at 826 West Hastings Street for Jameson Development Corp. in 2004, thus opening the "floodgates" for offshore talent.
Korstrom credits the city's ability to attract international design talent to the initial work of Brent Toderian, who took the job of chief planner for the City of Vancouver in 2006. According to Korstrom, and Toderian who is quoted in the article, "Toderian started speaking out against what he saw as being a bland sameness among many of Vancouver’s buildings."
The article also provides some of the design and planning backstory for the creations of the starchitects.
FULL STORY: Starchitects redrawing Vancouver skyline

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?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie