Urban Development
New Mayor, New Agenda for the Port City of Long Beach
Recently elected Mayor of Long Beach Robert Garcia, 37 years old, outlines his priorities: education, climate change, and economic development.
60 Years of Midwestern Urban Renewal
Researchers at the Institute for Quality Communities at the University of Oklahoma prepared a set of images to show the indelible impact of mid-20th century urban renewal on Midwestern cities.
The Most Popular Planetizen Posts of 2014
We've been collecting data on the posts you made the most popular for the year 2014.
Study: Trip Generation Manual Produces 'Phantom Trips'
Research suggests that the Trip Generation Manual—a familiar tool for planners calculating the vehicle trips expected to be generated by developments of various sizes and uses—produces "phantom trips" and unneeded automobile infrastructure.
Redevelopment Plans Finalized for Site of Detroit's Defunct Tiger Stadium
Tiger Stadium was demolished in 2008 after a failed bid to preserve the historic ballpark. Recently, however, a new mixed use development, including a baseball diamond for youth sports programs, was approved to take its place.
New Designs Revealed for $50 Million Renovation of Minneapolis' Nicollet Mall
The public recently got a first look at a new design proposal from James Corner Field Operations for the $50 million improvement of Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis.
Op-Ed Critiques Architecture: from 'Infinitesimal Specks' to 'Sprawling Dreck'
Steven Bingler and Martin C. Pedersen pen a withering critique of the architecture profession's obsession with glamorous contracts at the expense of context-sensitive, community-focused designs.
The Economist and Suburbia: A Fistful of Myths
A recent set of articles in the Economist argued that the continued spread of suburbia was inevitable and perhaps desirable. But the article's arguments are not always applicable to North America.
Mind the Gap: Media, Researchers Identify Gentrification Differently
A new study by a sociologist at Louisiana State University examines the differences between qualitative and quantitative descriptions of gentrification. Even the New York Times, according to the study, reveals its bias.
Groundbreaking for Controversial 'Atlantic Yards' Development
The development formerly known as Atlantic Yards—now called Pacific Park—broke ground this week, finally setting in motion a massive development beset by fierce controversy in the 11 years since it was first proposed.
Report Shows Which States Lead the Net-Zero Building Market
Although net-zero buildings have yet to scale to mass adoption, a new report hopes to inspire architects and developers to join the ranks of the most energy efficient buildings in the country.
Back to Basics: the Diggs Town Public Housing Revitalization
Some of the most effective solutions in urban design involve the simplest design changes. Revitalizing public housing is difficult, but not impossible, as shown by Ray Gindroz and his team at Urban Design Associates in Norfolk, Virginia.
Retrofitting Suburban Downtowns for Walkability
Ian Law of Place Alliance spoke to the 2014 ASLA Annual Meeting in Denver at the end of November about what it takes to accomplish a vision for a more dense, walkable suburban downtown.
Willamette Falls Access Approved as Part of Redevelopment Plan
The first U.S. incorporated west of the Rockies—Oregon City—is moving forward with a redevelopment plan that will provide public access to the stunning Willamette Falls.
Checking in with Jan Gehl
The Guardian ran a long feature examining the life and work of Jan Gehl, well known to planners as the urban "rethinker" behind the movement to design cities and places to the human scale.
Los Angeles Releases Large-Scale Earthquake Preparedness Plan
Los Angeles has been hard at work, under the leadership of Dr. Lucy Jones, to prepare for the ever-present threat of earthquakes. The Office of Mayor Eric Garcetti released the plan, called "Resilience by Design," earlier this week.
Bike Parking Minimums Updated in Washington D.C.
Washington D.C. recently revised bike parking requirements for new or rehabilitated residential buildings, building on precedents first set in 2007.
Growing Suburbs for the Good for the World
The Economist has published a pair of feature articles examining the growth of suburbs around the world in the hopes of avoiding the mistakes of the West.
Five Things You Need to Know About E-Bikes—An Urban Transportation Paradigm Shift
When you have a small electric motor, a battery, and a throttle on your bicycle, it becomes very difficult to make any more excuses. Here's why...
Shared Kitchen Space: Best Culinary Innovation since the Food Truck?
Potentially the biggest culinary innovation since the gourmet food truck, L.A. Prep upholds principles of smart growth while supporting culinary entrepreneurs. Artisanal food producers will move into its 50 kitchens starting in January.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority
