Urban Development
Exploring Serenbe
Terrain.org's newest "UnSprawl" case study explores the new Serenbe development, a mixed-use community of three hamlets anchored by an organic farm and striving to be an Atlanta-region destination for its restaurants, inn, and more.
New Cycling Initiatives in Ukraine
The city of Lviv in western Ukraine has begun a 9-year initiative to build 168 miles of bicycling infrastructure to the region.
Richard Florida on the Importance of Place
Richard Florida, interviewed by blogger Dave Copeland, says that quality of place is going to be of growing importance in the coming era to keep cities vibrant and attracting talent and the "creative class."
Eleven of the Best Urban Design Ideas in the World
From a penthouse dwelling above an air-raid bunker to an "inside-out" building where plants grow on the walls through rainwater irrigation, Wendy Goodman and Justin Davidson have asked design experts to compile their favorite urban ideas.
The Science Behind Bike-Share Placement In NYC
The Atlantic examines the factors that create a successfully implemented bike sharing program, based on current plans scheduled to be implemented on New York streets by next summer.
From Sprawl to Complete Communities
Galina Tachieva's new Sprawl Repair Manual creates a narrative and visual process for making suburbs more sustainable. The book's first chapter is available now online.
With Land at a Premium, Fire Poles are Back
The single-story fire station meant the classic fire pole disappeared. But now that land prices are on the rise, the second story and the fire pole have returned.
New Climate Change Guidelines Will Impact Bay Area Development
Recognizing the inevitability of sea level rise and vulnerability of much of the Bay Area, the region has adopted the first climate adaptation rules in the nation. Building along the shores of S.F. Bay remains possible.
No More McMansions for Studio City
With the help of Councilmember Paul Krekorian of the Los Angeles City Hall, Studio City residents developed an anti-mansionization ordinance called the "Residential Floor Area" to limit the size of residential construction on existing lots.
Habitat for Humanity Releases Disaster Planning Report
Drawing examples from a vast supply of disasters in recent years, this 30-page report emphasizes planning and policy for not just housing, but also land tenure and community input, with long-term perspectives.
Steve Jobs Advocates Planning In Final Public Appearance
In his last public appearance, Steve Jobs assumes the role of a land use advocate seeking to double the number of trees, move parking underground, and provide a self sufficient energy source for Apple's new campus in Cupertino.
Rivalry Brews Between Parking Reformers, Affordable Housing Advocates
Bill to lower parking requirements in transit-oriented districts in California faces opposition from housing advocates who don't want a parking density-bonus provision to be undermined.
"In Limbo," Foreclosed Apartments Lack Maintenance
Until the foreclosure process is finalized, apartment buildings are the responsibility of no one in particular. Around New York City, writes Chris Opfer, foreclosing banks are increasingly being given the task of maintaining and repairing them.
Does CEQA Reform Leverage the Environment for Jobs?
Last week, California Governor Jerry Brown signed into a law two CEQA reform bills that will expedite the court review process for some job-creating projects. Joel R. Reynolds editorializes on the move's risk to the basic principles of CEQA.
Take a Tour of the Revitalized South Bronx
In this article and accompanying video, architecture critic Michael Kimmelman and Planning Commissioner Amanda Burden tour the Melrose section of the South Bronx. Along the way, affordability and density are apparent hallmarks of the undertaking.
Parking Garages Built to Zoning, Are Half Empty
In a popular new development in Brooklyn built near transit, 50% of parking spaces are going unused. Why are parking requirements so overspec'ed?, asks Jeremy Smerd.
Native Grasses Meet the Burbs
In an obviously difficult market for new housing, Cross Creek Ranch is standing out from the pack with a master-planned community that restores a degraded dirt parcel to a native landscape.
Can the Building Industry Reinvent the Single-Family Home?
Allison Arieff says it is high time that the "dumb box" that makes up the majority of suburban housing be rethought to meet the needs of a new generation, presenting a small handful of homebuilders that are making an effort.
Across the Freeway, Hesitation Toward Proposed L.A. Stadium
Yes, there will be jobs, and safety has improved since downtown revitalization efforts began over a decade ago. But Pico-Union residents are feeling routinely excluded--and shortchanged--when it comes to decisionmaking.
U.N. Land Deal Could Fund NYC Esplanade
Pending a memorandum of understanding between city and U.N. officials, Manhattan may begin a land swap process that will finally fill in a mile-long gap of greenway along the East River. Lisa R. Foderaro reports.
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.
Borough of Carlisle
Smith Gee Studio
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)
