Social / Demographics
Popular Refuge Demonstrates Value of Silence in the City
As recent reports show, there's little opportunity for escaping the growing din of the man-made world. The popularity of a silent retreat built in the middle of D.C. demonstrates a growing appreciation for the sounds of silence.
Moving Health to the Center of the Architecture Mission
Kira Gould speaks with AIA CEO Robert Ivy about a new initiative being led by the Institute to help quantify the relationship between architecture and public health, and demonstrate the value design can bring to affecting a community’s health.
Design to Support the Homeless
How might planners advance the dialogue with politicians and citizens for design that supports the 633,782 homeless people in the US? Howard Blackson offers some insights for San Diego, the 3rd largest population of homeless among US cities.
What Role Does Density Play in Gun Violence?
In the wake of what is becoming an all too common occurrence in the U.S., Richard Florida examines whether gun violence, and especially mass killings of the kind that took place last week in Newtown, is an urban or suburban/rural plague.
The Science, and Art, of Navigating a Crowded Sidewalk
Like a school of fish navigating the ocean depths or a mass migration of wildebeests, pedestrians follow fundamental laws of swarm behavior when making their way through crowded sidewalks. Alexandra Horowitz explains the laws of the herd.
Effort to Improve Bike/Ped Counts Gets Boost
Want to know how many people drive in your city? The answers are easy to find. But for anyone trying to find out how many people bike and walk, it's not so easy. The result is problematic for safety and spending advocates alike. This may soon change.
How Does the Health of Your State Rank?
Modern medicine is prolonging our lives while our lifestyles are shortening it - that paradox is the main finding of the 2012 America's Health Rankings that ranked Vermont as the nation's healthiest state with Louisiana and Mississippi tied for last.
A Plural America Within Sight
Within three decades, there will no longer be a majority racial or ethnic group in the Unites States according to new Census Bureau projections released this week. Among the other findings: the country is growing slower than expected.
Small Cities' Surprising Population Growth
Small and large cities throughout the United States are outgrowing their suburban counterparts for the first time in years. An even bigger surprise: small cities seem to be outpacing suburbs and large metros alike according to new analysis.
Why Public Health Makes Business Sense
In the increasing competition between cities, regions, and states for the highly desirable jobs and industries driving economic growth in these difficult times, community health has become a key ingredient in attracting employers.
Traffic Deaths at Historic Lows; Ped and Bike Fatalities Increasing
New data released this week shows that automobile fatalities dropped last year to the lowest level in 62 years. At the same time, deaths of bicyclists, pedestrians, motorcycle riders and big-rig truck drivers increased, reports Ashley Halsey III.
What's the State of Australia's Cities?
A new report issued by the Australian Government analyzes the changing demographics of the country's largest cities, home to 77 percent of its population, and looks at their progress in increasing productivity, sustainability and liveability.
Is America Turning the Tide in the Battle of the Bulge?
Sabrina Tavernise reports on promising news concerning one of America's most formidable public health crises: for the first time in decades several American cities are reporting declines in childhood obesity rates.
A First: Minority Vote Proportionate to Population in CA
America is becoming less white and more diverse - but that diversity has not been reflected in the ballot place, until now - at least in California. Historically, voters were whiter and older than the actual population.
Public Transit Use Continues to Rise
The American Public Transportation Association has released a new report showing that more people nationwide are taking buses and trains. Amid high has prices, young students and struggling families are being credited with the jump.
Young Adults are Finally Leaving the Nest
The improving job market and low mortgage rates have enabled more adults in their 20s and early 30s to move into their own apartments and to buy homes, which, says Don Lee, could boost the nation's broader economic recovery.
Top 10 Books - 2013
Planetizen is pleased to release its eleventh annual list of the ten best books in urban planning, design and development published in 2012.
Mapping the Leaders of Public Interest Design
For its inaugural list of the "Public Interest Design 100," PublicInterestDesign.org and research partner the University of Minnesota College of Design have identified the key figures leading the convergence of design and service.
Traditional Cities and Towns: Incubators of Incompetent Children
With tongue firmly in cheek, Scott Doyon asks urban dwellers, "Are your enviable surroundings crippling the children?"
Bicyclists, Not Drivers, are the Better Consumers
Familiar with the perception that bicyclists are generally kids with no money and too much time? Emily Badger discusses the findings of a study that shows riders out-consume drivers over the course of a month for all businesses except grocery stores.
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
