United Kingdom

When the Localism Act was adopted in 2011, local communities gained broad new planning powers across the UK. But as recent events in one London suburb demonstrate, politics and ideological conflict have found a home in the participatory process.

April 23, 2013 - The Global Urbanist

The world's increasing water crises demand a new approach to managing the urban water cycle. Water sensitive urban design seeks to integrate water into urban environments, rather than isolating it, to create more livable cities.

April 19, 2013 - The Guardian

Camille Standen interviews the reason why Victoria Station may be the subway station with the most positive vibrations in the world. Jamaican-born train conductor Carl Downer assists passengers with their travels and brightening their day.

April 12, 2013 - Vice

According to Anna Winston, the former prime minister's impact on the architecture profession was huge. With the redevelopment of Canary Wharf, for example, her administration gave a leg up to Cesar Pelli, Sir Norman Foster and SOM, among others.

April 9, 2013 - Building Design

Jane Bradley traces the rise and fall of Scotland-based RMJM. Since completing its crowning achievement, the new Scottish Parliament building, the firm has expanded and contracted, and been rescued from receivership. Can it ever succeed again?

April 4, 2013 - Scotsman.com

The U.K. village of Poynton recently removed the traffic lights, signs, lanes, and even curbs from its center. The result? Rather than chaos, a film claims the project has helped revitalize the town's traditional center.

April 3, 2013 - The Atlantic Cities

As a property buying binge by the global super-rich makes parts of London "more international, more expensive and more empty," the government is looking to ease the conversion of offices to residences. Can this ease the city's housing shortage?

April 2, 2013 - The Wall Street Journal

Donald Trump says he will sue to prevent the construction of an offshore wind farm that government officials claim will boost the local economy and meet half of residential energy needs in Aberdeen, Scotland.

March 28, 2013 - Huffington Post

Scientists have long theorized that natural settings can help us manage the stress induced by urban living. New research made possible by advances in EEG technology has confirmed the restorative effects of parks.

March 28, 2013 - The New York Times

Air pollution is second only to smoking as a cause of premature death in Britain. So why haven't the country's leaders taken action to address the problem?

March 22, 2013 - The Guardian

A new article by city historian Graeme Davison traces the rise and fall of the suburban paradigm from its ideological roots in Victorian England to its current backlash.

March 15, 2013 - The Atlantic Cities

Green buildings "make business sense," says Jane Hanley, World Green Building Council CEO.

March 14, 2013 - Office Insight

Matthew Power profiles Bradley L. Garrett, Ph.D. and his "research subjects," who are active participants in the urban explorer movement, which aims to "rediscover, reappropriate, and reimagine the urban landscape."

March 11, 2013 - GQ

Already popular in several sectors, 'gamification' is increasingly being used to educate and engage the public around sustainability issues. Can "using fun and games for serious purposes" bring about environmental improvements?

March 11, 2013 - The Guardian

Mayor Boris Johnson has unveiled a wildly ambitious £913m 10-year plan to make cycling an integral part of London's transportation network.

March 8, 2013 - The Guardian

The passage of the Localism Act gave broad new planning powers to local communities across the UK. A new project seeks to build a bottom-up planning culture to take advantage of new opportunities.

March 6, 2013 - The Guardian

Eric Jaffe reports on research that may give pause to light rail advocates who argue the mode can reduce congestion: ridership gains along new lines may come at the expense of buses, rather than cars.

February 28, 2013 - The Atlantic Cities

An alliance of organizations in the United Kingdom has agreed on a policy statement promoting smart growth alternatives to current policies.

February 24, 2013 - Brownfield Briefing

On a recent visit to India, UK Prime Minister David Cameron offered his country's assistance in planning and developing nine new cities along a 600-mile corridor linking Mumbai and Bangalore by 2030.

February 22, 2013 - The Economic Times

Twenty English cities are joining an existing eight in the government's "city deal" program, which gives local governments expanded planning and financial powers.

February 21, 2013 - BBC News