World
Global issues, U.N., etc.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
GIS Meets Architecture
This article from Architect looks at how GIS is integrating itself into the toolbox of architects.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Notable Architecture to Watch in 2010
This piece from Business Week lists the most anticipated architecture projects to watch in 2010.
The Art of Wayfinding
Slate looks at the history and importance of signage and wayfinding design.
Curing Congestion Through Computing
This piece from Fast Company looks at an effort by IBM to use computer systems to intuitively understand traffic systems and improve the way city infrastructure handles congestion.
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
