United States
Highest and Best Use of Empty Shipping Containers
The DeKalb Market on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn showcases adaptive reuse of old shipping containers at its best with an eclectic mix of small shops, picnic area, food vendors, urban garden, and DJ booth.
What Buyers' Stalled Decision Means to Homebuilders
While most homebuilders take measures to control cost, such as modifying the plan layouts or building more energy-efficient homes, few revamp their business strategies by creating specialized division for distressed markets.
Make No Big Plans
Looking at "urban acupuncture", a recent movement that eschews massive urban renewal projects in favor of smaller interventions.
A Little More Complete – Making Way for Neighborhood Electric Vehicles
Wave of the future, or glorified golf cart? Lisa Nisenson says that dismissing neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) is a mistake, and planners can use NEV planning to make more walkable urban centers.
"Facts Don't Speak for Themselves"
Lisa Hollingsworth-Segedy, AICP, explains why being able to tell a good story about plans and development is more valuable than any maps or pretty renderings.
Souped-Up BART Trains Courtesy of BMW
The nation's fifth-largest rail system Bay Area Rapid Transit will collaborate with BMW DesignworksUSA to update its aging fleet.
In Chicago, a Holistic Approach to Bicycle Planning
DOT Commissioner Gabe Klein says that in addition to making bicycles a viable means of transportation, he's also using bike lanes to slow traffic speed and promote active lifestyle.
Does America Need a National Infrastructure Bank?
A new report published by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace proposes, among other things, a 5%-per-barrel tax on petro and the creation of the National Infrastructure Bank to cope with transportation budget cuts.
Detroit's Latest Italian Import
Urban regeneration in Detroit begins with public space in a form of street market - one that sells plenty of fruits and vegetables.
New Developments Suffer From Lack of Identity
Neal Payton of Torti Gallas and Partners says that new developments that lack an identity will suffer, and that smaller blocks are often better for creating a sense of place.
Bringing Absurdity to Urbanism
An interview with REBAR design collective, creators of PARK(ing) Day, about using humor and absurdity to advance ideas for improving cities.
The Paradox of Minimum Parking Requirements for Bars and Taverns
Zoning codes that mandate a certain number of parking spaces for businesses that serve on-site alcoholic beverages are inconsistent with law enforcement's campaign against drunk driving, says Eric de Place.
Where the Youth Goes, Companies Follow
Companies are moving back to the city in response to a new generation of workers who prefer the urban environment over suburban office parks.
Top 10 Cities to Invest in Rental Properties
Based on estimated returns on investment in single-family home rental properties of 316 markets, Las Vegas is your best bet to invest on rental properties. Orlando, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale - all in Florida - also made the list.
Quality Housing Stands the Test of Time
Patrick Kennedy stresses the importance of quality over quantity in residential housing by comparing houses in McKinney, North Texas, with those on Swiss Avenue near Downtown Dallas.
NY MTA Chief Resigns, Takes Job In Hong Kong
The head of the New York MTA, Jay Walder, is leaving to take charge of a private transportation company in Hong Kong.
No Increase in Debt Ceiling Could Crash the Housing Market
Financial analysts and members of the real estate industry are worried that, if the U.S. government doesn't resolve the debt ceiling crisis soon, an already fragile housing market will be dealt a serious blow, and with it the entire U.S. economy.
Placemaking Is Key To Job Creation, Says Politician
In a post at Project for Public Spaces, a politician from Spokane, WA is quoted as saying the way municipal governments could spur job growth is by building public spaces where people want to live, work, shop and invest.
If High-Speed Rail is Made, Will Riders Come?
Dan Leavitt, California High-Speed Rail Authority’s deputy director, says Calif. can either be at the whim of 'market-driven sprawl,' or high-speed rail can revolutionize the state. Yet, arguments for getting people to ride rail are contentious.
Ranking the Most Walkable Cities in the US
Each year Walk Score ranks the top cities for walking, according to its own walk score methodology. In 2011, NYC placed #1. See the rest of the top 10!
Pagination
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont