World

Global issues, U.N., etc.

Renewable Energy Convergence

One source of renewable energy isn't going to cut it; the future is in using multiple sources, and even combining them in a single power plant, says blogger jnshere.

March 29, 2010 - Renewable Energy World

Travel for Planners Not A "Junket"

Cities often get criticized for sending staff to check out other cities, but Tim Campbell says it's necessary for planners to see what other cities are doing.

March 28, 2010 - Crosscut

Expanding or Shrinking Your House at Will

The Klip House is a series of modular, prefab units that can be clipped together much like the binding on a ski boot, allowing homeowners to lease or own the home parts they need for their stage in life, then upgrade or downgrade when necessary.

March 27, 2010 - BLDBLOG

Most Photographed Cities

Cornell computer scientists used a supercomputer to analyze nearly 35 million Flickr photographs and determine which cities and landmarks were the most photographed. New York, London and San Francisco come out on top.

March 26, 2010 - Cornell

Moving from Sustainability to "Transition"

In response to the threats of peak oil and climate change, thousands of people around the world are engaging in local "Transition" initiatives to promote resilience and "reskilling" to prepare for the expected "energy descent."

March 25, 2010 - AlterNet

Sequestering CO2 In Sidewalk Cement

A Silicon Valley startup is proposing to turn carbon dioxide emissions from coal and gas power plants into cement that can be used for everyday construction.

March 24, 2010 - ASLA's The Dirt blog

Hosting Olympics, But At What Cost?

The Olympics can be a huge boon for cities -- in terms of international attention, physical legacies and infrastructural development. But they can also be a huge risk. This piece from Finance and Development looks at the pros and cons.

March 24, 2010 - Finance and Development

Global Cities Becoming Global Mega-Regions

A new report from the United Nations says that world cities are increasingly becoming mega-regions of developed areas, and governing these regions must become a new focus of governments.

March 23, 2010 - Guardian

Pushing Forward a World Urban Campaign

City and government officials from around the world are in Rio de Janeiro to make the argument that urban hold the key to sustainability. Neal Peirce reports.

March 23, 2010 - Citiwire

Does Greater Efficiency Encourage Greater Waste?

Jevon's Paradox is the idea that the more efficient a resource becomes, the more it is consumed. With new future fuels in the works, those promoting sustainability and conservation find themselves at odds with innovation.

March 22, 2010 - Fast Company

Does Property Ownership Go Against the Common Good?

A new book argues that yes, the priorities of private property often trump those of democracy, community, free expression and life outside of the marketplace.

March 21, 2010 - On The Commons

GIS Meets Architecture

This article from Architect looks at how GIS is integrating itself into the toolbox of architects.

March 21, 2010 - Architect

The Car Reconsidered

When most people use their cars in urban settings, what sort of vehicle is optimal? MIT's Media Lab asks the question, in their quest to invent the next generation of personal mobility.

March 18, 2010 - Metropolis Magazine

Traffic Accidents Poised to Become the 5th Leading Cause of Death by 2030

The Infrastructurist examines a new infographic published by the World Health Organization (WHO) as part of their Global Status Report.

March 13, 2010 - The Infrastructurist

Planners' Mistakes in Framing the Problems of Traffic

This research paper focuses on how land use planners are continuing to plan and develop cities and urban areas in ways that increase traffic and congestion.

March 13, 2010 - Science Direct

Why Architectural Criticism Can't Work

In response to a recent piece criticizing architecture critic Nicolai Ouroussoff, Places Journal Editor Nancy Levinson extends the criticism to the entire field, questioning whether its global scope is realistic.

March 12, 2010 - Places Journal

Preservation That Allows For Change

Can historic preservation make room for evolution, and even change? UNESCO's Cultural Landscapes designation attempts to leave room for places to evolve without losing their character.

March 11, 2010 - ASLA's The Dirt blog

Understanding Mega-Cities

A new book explores the disconnect between how a "mega-city" region is portrayed through statistics, demographics, etc., and how it is perceived by the public.

March 11, 2010 - re:place Magazine

Billboards: Blight, or Right?

Are billboards visual pollution, or valuable information source? Sao Paolo, Brazil banned billboards in the city in 2007 and is an interesting case study.

March 9, 2010 - Arkinet

Notable Architecture to Watch in 2010

This piece from Business Week lists the most anticipated architecture projects to watch in 2010.

March 9, 2010 - Business Week

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.