Urban Development
A Mesmerizing Interactive History of the High-Rise
Told over four parts meant to evoke chapters in a storybook using films, photos, archive materials, text, and miniature games, this "Op-Doc" is a short masterclass in the 2,500-year global history of vertical living.
What Is a Place Without the People?
In an illustrated essay, Chuck Wolfe contrasts the ideal form of the New England town with an abandoned French village, calling out the human infrastructure essential to successful urban places.
Searching for a Sequel to the Plan of Chicago
Calling Chicago a "city on the brink", the editors of the Chicago Tribune issue an "RFP" for residents and civic groups to put forth a vision for Chicago that can address its chronic woes, ensure its survival, and inspire people to action.
N.J. Supreme Court Wisely Rejects Gov. Christie's Attempt to Dismantle Mount Laurel Ruling
The New York Times editorial board praises the Sept. 26th decision of the N.J. Supreme Court to uphold the 1983 landmark, affordable housing, anti-exclusionary zoning principles known as Mount Laurel and reject the appeal by Christie and 11 towns.
Parking Lots to Become Pedestrian Paradise in Downtown L.A. Redevelopment
In what's being called "the largest downtown land acquisition since the recession", six acres of parking lots will be redeveloped as a $750-million mixed-use complex - continuing the astonishing transformation of L.A.'s South Park neighborhood.
Ten Years On, What Does Disney Concert Hall Say About Los Angeles?
As L.A.'s iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall celebrates its tenth anniversary, Sam Lubell ponders how its shimmering stainless steel skin reflects the city's approach to architecture and urban design.
CEQA Reform: The Year in Review
Three groups review the final bill (also known as Kings Arena bill) that reformed California's landmark, but controversial 1970 environmental law known as CEQA: CA Economic Summit, NRDC and Climate Plan. All credit the author, Sen. Darrell Steinberg.
How is Technology Transforming the American City?
For a feature on Technology and the City, Architectural Record examines how the digital economy and tech culture are transforming Chattanooga, Detroit, Austin, and San Francisco. Many changes are welcome, but can urban success become too successful?
Upscale Makeover Threatens the Character of L.A.'s Beloved Public Market
L.A.'s historic Grand Central Market is undergoing an upscale makeover. Steve Lopez, an unabashed urban market fanatic, is concerned the changes threaten the market's role as discount center and bridge between affluent and working class Angelenos.
The State of Monopoly's Real Life Inspiration
When the infamous real estate and development board game was created, it took the streets of Atlantic City, NJ as the inspiration for its property names. In a photo tour through the city, Nick Carr notes how these streets appear today.
Detroit Bankruptcy Highlights Nation's Obsession With Diplomas
If you thought the bankruptcy in Detroit was caused by the disappearance of manufacturing jobs, well, you'd be wrong. Alan Mallach explains how our obsession with college degrees contributed to the downfall of a city.
Houston Becomes an Unlikely Model for America's Urban Revival
In a city that has long typified auto-centric sprawl and unplanned growth, a funny thing is happening. An urban revival has taken root as the city competes with its suburbs and other big cities to attract residents and businesses.
Can a Cultural Makeover Clean Up France's So-Called Crime Capital?
Marseille has sought to maximize its year as European Cultural Capital to jumpstart a transformation of the notoriously rough-and-tumble port city. But will new initiatives provide enough momentum to dislodge old habits and stereotypes?
Poor Design Threatens L.A.'s Quixotic Grand Avenue Quest
With a key deadline looming today for downtown L.A.'s Grand Avenue project, a "little-noticed" decision last week by a public agency to reject the developer's most recent design has thrown the future of the elusive effort in doubt.
Top 10 Civic-Minded Companies
A ranking of the 10 most civic-minded companies holds some surprises -- mainly that the list is dominated by financial services firms.
New Book Delivers Lessons for Utilizing New Media
Are your marketing strategies in need of a "New Media" refresh? Steve Mouzon's new e-book, New Media for Designers + Builders gets two thumbs up from Susan Henderson and Hazel Borys.
Abu Dhabi Planning Charrette
Abu Dhabi is updating its strategic development plan. Consultant Todd Litman reports on the city's recent urban planning charrette.
Why Toronto's Suburbs are the 'New City'
In the Toronto area, the region's suburbs have evolved in ways that make them fundamentally different from their outdated postwar image. Yet the ways we think and talk about the suburbs haven't kept up with this new reality.
How Do You Grow One of the World's Densest Cities Without New Land?
Singapore has built skywards and taken back land from the sea to accommodate its booming population. But as the city-state runs out of options for future growth, it's looking underground to build infrastructure, offices, and even public spaces.
A Fight Over the Future of "America's 'Most Livable' Community"
LA's trendy Silver Lake neighborhood "is going through a full-blown, divisive identity crisis." Amid trendy boutiques and million dollar homes are bastions of poverty and crime. Activists are divided on how to define, let alone address, its problems.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Portland
City of Laramie
