Urban Development
The German Urban Planning Workhorse
One German planner's influence has been seen in projects across the world. Now he's refocusing his eyes on his home country.
The City of Blinding Lights is Starting To See 'Green'
The first thermal plant in 16 years opened this summer in southern Nevada. And America's most expensive private development - a new hotel and casino complex on the Strip - is getting LEED certified.
Planned Communities Take Nosedive in Idaho
Proposals for planned communities have taken a sharp downturn in Idaho since last year. A deteriorating housing market and the lack of infrastructure are being cited for delays in development.
Is New Urbanism The Way To A Green Future?
This article from Time discusses the burden development places on the environment and how New Urbanism seeks to mitigate this burden.
The Path To Preserving L.A.'s Industrial Lands
Preserving industrial land in Downtown L.A. is the focus of a broad city report to be released in January. The city recommends classifying specific areas into four land use categories to guide development in the area increasingly sought by investors.
Cities Think Big Despite Uncertain Development Market
Despite a rocky real estate market, cities across the globe are investing in large-scale development projects.
Designing The Female-Friendly City
As women become a larger segment of the nation's urban population, more planners are recognizing the importance of addressing the concerns of women through urban design.
The Power Of The Threat Of Eminent Domain
In New York, eminent domain is not necessarily the direct work of the government, and often the threat of eminent domain is enough to clear the way for development. This editorial explains how.
Urban Renewal Plan Translates To Job Loss And Gentrification
This editorial from the Orange County Register bemoans the urban renewal process proposed in a new specific plan for the city of Santa Ana that some say will gentrify the city's downtown and eliminate many industrial jobs.
Ohio Growth Posing Environmental Threats
Growth and urban development are posing significant threats to air quality in Northeast Ohio, and many planners are looking at ways to reduce the threats.
Architects as Developers: Five Portraits
From smaller residential projects to vast mixed-use developments, more and more architects are crossing over into development work, bringing a fresh perspective to the process.
Shopping Malls Are Dead -- Long Live Lifestyle Centers
The Economist offers a fascinating review of the evolution of the suburban shopping mall into the hot new "lifestyle center." The conclusion: "It was necessary to kill the American city centre before bringing it back to life."
Rethinking Parking In NYC
An editorial by Alex Garvin and Nick Peterson calls for NYC's planners and officials to rewrite outdated off-street parking regulations. The authors point out contradictory parking requirements and proposes a more efficient market-based system.
New Urbanism Examined By Time Magazine, Andrés Duany
Time's environmental reporter examines the American neighborhood with help from New Urbanist founder Andres Duany, who comments on suburbia and its carbon footprint, the role of the car, home size, public space, and ratings of green building.
Governors Island Redesign To Focus On Parkspace
A design has been chosen for the redevelopment of Governors Island in New York. The winning proposal plans to convert most of the island into parkspace.
New Orleans Waterfront Revisioned
Plans to redevelop the Mississippi riverfront in New Orleans are being released, including more than 100 acres of parks and pathways.
Intentions Questioned In Salt Lake City Downtown Redevelopment Project
This article looks at a Mormon Church-sponsored project in downtown Salt Lake City that some say is sacrificing the will of local retailers and residents for shareholder profits.
Developer Sues After City Blocks Tacked-On Big Box Plans
Developers who submitted a plan for a retail development and then added a big box store to the plan after it had been approved have sued the city of Blacksburg, Virginia, for instituting new planning rules that requires extra governmental approval.
Miami On The Verge Of Major Downtown Makeover
County officials are moving forward with four mega-projects designed to improve downtown Miami. Critics wonder if they will really benefit the taxpayer.
A Look At Redevelopment With and Without Eminent Domain
In this video from Reason, comedian Drew Carey looks at the use of eminent domain in Los Angeles and compares it with the efforts of nearby Anaheim to work with developers and avoid seizing land through eminent domain.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)
