Open Space
Revisiting the Common Sense Elements of City Life
Chuck Wolfe revisits five instances of how we can learn from the urbanism we already have.
Fear of Density Faulted for Lack of Open Spaces in Dallas
Planners and residents are concerned about the lack of green space requirements in the booming area of Uptown in Dallas. Instead of delivering amenities, some say, developers are often engaged in battles over density.
Ranking the Best (and Worst) Cities for Recreation
July is "National Park and Recreation Month." To commemorate, WalletHub compiled a ranking system that compares cities by their recreational opportunities.
Study: Parks Make for Better People
Tom Jacobs details the findings of a study out of France that finds evidence of what researchers call "green altruism"—or people treating each other better after period of immersion in a natural environment.
A Call for Local Architects to 'Redefine the Drive' in Chicago
A local architect produced a DIY design to push the Illinois Department of Transportation to think big with the "Redefine the Drive" project on North Lake Shore Drive. With the proposal: invitations for more local designers to participate.
Report Decries Slow Project Delivery by New York City Parks Department
New Yorkers for Parks released a study earlier this month finding that the Department of Parks and Recreation is one of the city's slowest when it comes to finishing projects on a reasonable timeframe.
Seattle Turns Streets to Play Areas
Seattle Department of Transportation launches "Play Streets" program to encourage some fun in the streets.
A Radical Proposal for North Lake Shore Drive in Chicago
A citizen-led initiative to rethink the land around North Lake Shore Boulevard in the neighborhood of Streeterville produced ambitious designs that would create additional shoreline, baldy-needed open space, and a tunnel for Lake Shore Drive.
Critiquing Philadelphia's Fairmount Park Master Plan
Architecture critic Inga Saffron describes a new master plan for Philadelphia's signature piece of open space as "important" and "welcome," but still finds that it falls short in addressing some of the park's critical needs.
How to Improve Public Space in Downtown New Orleans?
An influx of residential and creative commercial space is transforming Downtown New Orleans. According to a technical assistance panel by the Urban Land Institute Louisiana, the trends represent a once in a lifetime opportunity to improve open space.
Southwest Airlines Joins Project for Public Spaces to Activate Parks
Southwest Airlines joins Project for Public Spaces in an initiative to reactivate underused public spaces.
Ambitious Open Space Proposal for Silicon Valley
The board of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, based in Los Altos, CA, is considering a $300 million bond measure for the June ballot that would expand access to 62,167 acres of open space.
Parks Need Buildings, Too—A Silver Spring Transit Center Case Study
As the long-awaited Silver Spring Transit Center continues construction, voices in the community want to consider a park adjacent to the forthcoming Metro stop. Dan Reed writes, however, that the area might not be well suited for a park.
Pittsburgh Resets Clock for Steelers’ Open Space Proposal
Pittsburgh hopes for pedestrian-oriented public space at the corner of Art Rooney Avenue and North Shore Drive. The city’s planning commission recently granted its NFL franchise a third extension to develop a plan for the parking lot on the parcel.
How Much Is Too Much Protection for the Ozark National Scenic Riverways?
A political battle over the Ozark National Scenic Riverways—the largest federal park in Missouri—is heating up. The debate pressures a crucial distinction: how much are protected open spaces for people, and how much are they for protecting.
Programmed to Need Urban Nature
Human beings are both born and programmed to need open spaces. As our existence becomes increasingly urban, cities and towns must provide the open spaces our natures require.
Long Beach Considers Replacing Parkway with Park
For those living in one of the most industrial areas of Los Angeles County, a little green can go a long way. A landmark project could see an isolated piece of freeway in Long Beach replaced with much-needed park space.
Even for Slow-Growth Davis, Providing Land for Tech Companies Proves Too Enticing
Originally intended for permanent farmland and open space, Davis, CA will consider whether 391 acres along its eastern edge should instead be used for a business technology park, reports Mark Anderson.
Want to Encourage Exercise? Just Put Up Better Signs
According to a recent Rand Corp. study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, fancy redesigns or new equipment may not be necessary to spark more usage in existing parks. Adding a few signs may do the trick.
Who Makes Better Parks, Planners or Landscape Architects?
Successful parks require good design in both the physical and the social realms. However according to Los Angeles County Planner Dr. Clement Lau, the former too often overshadows the latter.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority
