Science
Cities as ‘Powerhouses of Evolution’
A new book on urban ecology shows how quickly wild species living in cities can adapt to their surroundings.
Bad Science Linked to Fears of Fake Grass
A college soccer coach's disproved theory that claims artificial truf causes cancer refuses to die.
What Makes a Planner an Urban Scientist?
Among other traits, science-minded planners must seriously reflect on what it is they know about their field, seeking good reasons and solid evidence for why they accept those things, writes Jodie Sackett, a Los Angeles County urban planner.
New York Escalates Academic Building Boom
With nearly $10 billion in construction expected over the next five years (in addition to the $4.2 billion spent over the last five), New York City is in the midst of a higher education building boom being led by investment in science and technology
Science Takes a Back Seat to Canada's "Resource Rush"
In an editorial for The New York Times, Verlyn Klinkenborg bemoans the Harper administration's silencing of scientists in favor of political ideology, resource extraction, and public ignorance.
'Quantitative Urbanism' Reduces Cities to a Formula
Jerry Adler examines the emerging field of “quantitative urbanism,” which aims to use mathematical formulas to unveil and explain the universal properties shared by cities.
Can Science Save Planning from Extinction?
In a recent paper, urban theorist Stephen Marshall rehashes Jane Jacobs's criticism of city planning as a pseudoscience built "on a foundation of nonsense." Can science and design be reconciled to provide planning a more stable foundation?
Sandy Changes Political as well as Physical Landscape
NJ's Republican Gov. Chris Christie heaps praise on President Obama, and the governor of the neighboring, hard-hit state, NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo, has also stirred the political pot by going where no other pol has gone - linking Sandy to climate change.
The Science of Cities
Unprecedented urbanization calls for unprecedented planning, argues writer Tim De Chant. His proposal: a scientific model for responsive urban design.
Cornell Is Chosen For Roosevelt Island Science School
Only three days after Stanford pulled out of the bidding, rival Cornell is to be announced as the university chosen to create a new science graduate school on Roosevelt Island.
Cooperation and the Evolutionary Biology of the City as Organism
Evolutionary biologist David Sloan Wilson is trying to understand how natural selection works at various levels. His new lab: the city of Binghamton, New York.
Glowing Trees Light the Way
Researchers in Taiwan have discovered that gold nanoparticles can create luminescence in tree leaves, opening the possibility of glowing trees that cold act as streetlights.
Science in the City
The latest issue of Nature looks at the implications of an increasingly urban world on the field of science, and the field's impact on cities.
The Most Complex Piece of Architecture Created by Mankind
340KM above your head, the first human dwelling beyond Earth's surface has just been completed. Last week, a space shuttle launched on May 14 added the final building block to the $125 billion International Space Station.
The Periodic Table of City Planning Elements
Break out the Bunsen burner: Ric Stephens has broken down the science of city planning into this handy chart of elements.
The Science of Resiliency in Cities
Resilience science has typically been applied to ecosystems. But now, scientists are starting to look at how it relates to cities.
'Science City' Plans Could Boost Light Rail
Plans to build a group of villages near science and biotech office parks in Maryland could help the area secure federal light rail funding.
Electric Cars are Coming!
We're sorry to be buzz kills. But we've heard this one before. Like in 1990. And 1910. Do the automakers have the juice this time?
Energy Revolution Needed To Solve Climate Change
Nobel laureate and new Energy Secretary Dr. Steven Chu is interviewed on what it will take to solve the climate change crisis - three major technological improvements plus carbon pricing. While no fan of coal, he acknowledges improvements are needed.
Plants Forced To Evolve By Urban Landscapes
A team of researchers has shown that in urban landscapes -- such as in the cracks of sidewalks -- plant species must evolve their reproduction habits to stay alive.
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.
