PlaceShakers
The Trifecta: Urbanism, Architecture, and Nature
Susan Henderson shares some thoughts about the alignment of issues contributing to well-being in cities.
Hey, Buddy: Adult Friendships and the Future of Communities
The ease with which we make friends as adults matters. Not just on a personal level but to the communities that ensure our survival. Scott Doyon takes a crack at explaining.
Rewilding Cities: Wellness and Nature
When nature is integrated into urbanism, wellness surges. Hazel Borys looks at the benefits.
Bubble Burst Strategy No. 1: Do Something. Now.
Ben Brown on placemaking implications of today's politics
What Makes a Good Main Street Work?
What Makes a Good Main Street Work? Kaid Benfield uses Corning, New York, to illustrate five key elements.
Achieving Community: Let's Get Real
The benefits of authentic community are extensive. Maybe even transcendent. But how do we get to that point? Scott Doyon's latest blog has a few thoughts.
Step Away from the Vehicle (And Take Back the Journey)
Walkability’s greatest gifts to health are most accessible when we encounter one another in the flesh. In pedestrian-friendly environments, others amenitize space. On the highway, they encumber it.
Extracting the DNA of the Most Loved Places
The first step of character-based zoning is extracting local DNA. Hazel Borys reviews Tucson's highlights for Sonoran Desert inspiration.
The City as 'Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities': It’s the People Thing
If even a sliver of a 78-million-strong set of consumers seems willing to hand over cash for something, businesses organize themselves to deliver, whether we’re talking hula hoops or downtown apartments.
Why Can't My Zoning Create a Diversity of Places?
Struggling with zoning that thwarts the construction of new hamlets, villages, towns, and cities? Susan Henderson has a bit of place type inspiration from across the pond.
There Goes the Neighborhood: Oh No, Not Burning Man!
Ben Brown unpacks the components of polarization. Recognizing some people are really pissed off for some really good reasons doesn’t seem to help us make better decisions, whether we’re talking about electing a president or planning a park.
Triangular Plazas: Flexible, Outdoor Rooms With Meaningful Uses
We often think of plazas as rectangular spaces, but unique geometries can create unexpected delight when a few simple criteria are met.
The Makings of Healthy Places
What makes for a healthy place? Kaid Benfield points to density of dwellings, intersections and public transport, plus access to parks.
Inclusive Cities: Inclusion Equals Diversity Plus Equity
Hazel Borys sharing ideas from thought leaders on inclusion and indigeneity.
Unpredictable, High Risk, High Cost: Planning for the Worst Is the Worst
Ben Brown takes a hard look at our capacities and limitations in a world more complex than we’d prefer.
Horsey! Grassroots Public Art Connects People, Past, and Present
Never underestimate the power of whimsy in the built environment. A genuine and unconditional spirit of welcome and inclusion can be found in the most unexpected forms of participatory art.
Summer Fun: Pokémon GO and Minecraft for Young Urbanists
Do video games have anything to teach kids? Hazel Borys says yes, in moderation.
A Summary of CNU24 Detroit
Miss the Congress for the New Urbanism in Detroit? Hazel Borys shares some highlights, with help from Twitter urbanists.
Equity, Engagement, Community: Empathy Ain't Enough
if a community planning effort is to be judged by the degree to which all voices are heard, then anything short of a big turnout is going to feel like failure. Ben Brown talks equitable engagement, and aligning promises with implementation.
Creative Placemaking: Lead, Follow, AND Get Out of the Way
For governments and institutions, creative placemaking means knowing when to let go. Scott Doyon explains.
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.
