Olympics
Vancouver Olympics a Living Laboratory for Urbanism!
Among the countless stories being written on the successes and challenges of these 2010 Olympic Winter Games, not surprisingly the most interesting stories to me are those that speak to the challenges of great urbanism. As a host city, Vancouver has become a massive urban laboratory, with so many opportunities to learn, and we’re soaking it all up. As we are coming to the end of the final week, a few examples of big experiments and learnings come to mind.
The Gold Medal for Planning Goes To...
Gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded for town planning were at the 1928 and 1932 Olympics, along with architecture, sculpture, painting, music and literature.
The Tent City Next Door to the Olympics
This post from Next American City looks at Vancouver's homelessness problem and the public outreach effort underway to bring attention and solutions to the problem.
The Physical Legacy of Vancouver's Olympics
This piece from Fast Company looks at the legacy that will remain in Vancouver after the Olympics are over.
Vancouver Tops List of Livable Cities
As the Winter Olympics kick off in Vancouver, the city has been named the world's "most livable city".
What's Green and Not-So-Green About Vancouver
Grist takes a look at the Olympic city of Vancouver, and lists some of its greenest attributes, and some of its less-than-green downfalls.
The Poverty Beneath the Rings
Vancouver is playing host to the Winter Olympics beginning later this week. It's a city admired across North America. But it's also home to a pocket of severe poverty and homelessness.
Outside Vancouver, Smaller Towns Skeptical About Olympic Benefits
Locals in some of the smaller towns of British Columbia are skeptical that they will see the economic benefits of the this year's Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
Vancouverism in the Global Spotlight
Vancouver is preparing to take the global stage when it hosts the Winter Olympic next month. With all the sports-related pomp, the city's unique approach to sustainability will also fall under the spotlight.
Winter Wonderland in the Bird's Nest
This slideshow from the BBC explores how Beijing's iconic Bird's Nest Olympic stadium is being reused -- as a kids theme park.
Real Work to Begin on Rio's Olympic Plans
Rio de Janeiro has been named the host of the 2016 Summer Olympics. Now, the city has to start making its Olympic promises come true.
Why Rio Won the 2016 Olympics
Rio de Janeiro has been selected as the host of the 2016 Summer Olympics. This analysis from NPR looks at why the Brazilian city was the obvious choice.
South American Olympics Overdue or Undercooked?
As the International Olympic Committee prepares to announced the host of the 2016 Summer Olympics this week, South Americans are hoping it's finally their time. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is one of four finalists, but some say the city isn't ready.
Olympic Impact on Chicago Likely Modest
High hopes for city change are attached to Chicago's bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics. Even if the city wins the bid this Friday, the impact is likely to be modest, according to Chicago Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin.
Fitting the Olympics into Tokyo
Edward Lifson talks to architect Tadao Ando about his work masterplanning Tokyo's bid for the 2016 Olympics.
Brown Says Expensive Olympics Will Boost London
English Prime Minister Gordon Brown is confident that the 2012 Summer Olympics will bring a big economic benefit to London. But with costs rising beyond expectations, some are skeptical of the PM's prediction.
The Dangers of Mega-Events
2010 will bring with it a series of huge international events -- the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, the World Cup in South Africa and the World Expo in Shanghai. Though seen as major opportunities for their hosts, these events can also be dangerous.
Room for Improvement in Prospective Olympic Host Cities
A new report from the International Olympic Committee has evaluated the four host candidates for the 2016 Summer Olympics and found many places for improvement ahead of its October 2 decision.
Chicago's Olympic Pickle
As part of its bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympics, Chicago has broad plans for a proposed Olympic Village. Preservationists are protesting, as those plans involve the demolition historic architecture by Walter Gropius. A decision has been delayed.
Can Infill Save Beijing?
After an unstoppable run of megaprojects being built with an eye on the Olympics, architects are now designing smaller, human-scale projects in between the cracks.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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.
