World
Global issues, U.N., etc.
Will We All Become 'Envirogees'?
Climate change, desertification and resource wars are displacing millions of people, and threaten to turn us all into environmental refugees, warns Scott Thill.
The Possibilities of 'Spime'
Noah Radford of Space Syntax gave an interesting presentation on the possible future of "spimes", objects like bricks that are given self-awareness in space and time (hence, spime) and what such objects might mean for future planning and design.
Earthquakes, Building Codes and the Politics of Architecture
Mark Kingwell observes the sharp -- and deadly -- contrast between shining Shanghai skyscrapers and the poorly-built prefab concrete structures in China's rural areas that proved to be deathtraps in the recent earthquake.
New Bike Racks Thwart Theft
A new design for a public bike rack could help prevent crime.
YouTube Exposing Cities' Traffic Problems
The video website YouTube is home to a growing number of clips that document traffic conditions in cities around the world.
Living Well In The Era Of High Gas Prices
Want to learn how Americans can maintain a high standard of living in an era of sky-high gas prices? Just look at Europeans, who've been going it for decades, argues economist Paul Krugman.
Cars Don't Cause Traffic, Drivers Do
Some planners hope that driverless car technology can finally put an end to traffic jams.
The Newest 'Made In China' Item: Hotels
Hotel operator Travelodge is planning to build pre-fabricated hotels in Shenzhen that can be assembled in locales in need of a short term boost in rooms -- such as Olympic host cities.
Bike Production Dwarfs Car Production
Production of bicycles is more than double the production of cars worldwide -- and the gap between the two vehicles is widening. Many see this as an indicator of the global shift towards encouraging bicycle use as a viable transportation option.
Will Nissan Revive The Electric Car?
The automaker has announced plans for a fully-electric vehicle by 2010, and says it wants to lead the industry towards zero-emission vehicles.
Learning From London's Congestion Charge
By looking closely at the key factors that helped London's congestion charge succeed, other cities can decipher whether a similar scheme would work in their jurisdictions.
Sweden Tops All Nations As Climate-Friendly
One country stands out in Europe in surpassing the greenhouse gas emission reductions required by the Kyoto Protocol - Sweden. While it used several environmental technologies to achieve those reductions, experts give credit to its carbon tax.
Is That A Bike In Your Pack?
A number of innovative new bicycle designs were on display at this year's International Bicycle Design Competition, including a bike that folds into its own backpack carrying case -- making it easy to take on public transit.
Pod Hotels: The Urban Motel 6?
Resembling a compartment in a first-class airplane cabin more than a standard hotel room, new pod hotels are popping up in major travel centers in Europe and North America, offering mini-rooms that provide travelers with lower-cost lodgings.
Green Buildings Need Green Cities
While cities are focused on promoting green 'buildings', planners and landscape architects need to advocate more green city planning.
Thirsty Planet
Access to water is becoming increasingly tight in many parts of the world. This article from Wired looks at three thirsty regions and what they are doing to counteract the shortage.
How Urban Road Networks 'Evolve'
Think a city's road network is a result of rational planning? Well, think again. After analyzing over 300 cities -- both old and new -- scientists have discovered that cities tend to grow like organisms, and follow a similar mathematical pattern.
Sustainable Cities Could Save The Planet
A review of the 7th annual EcoCity World Summit reveals some of the ideas and innovations the planners, architects and builders are using to create greener and more sustainable cities.
Oil Crisis Looms As Car Population Jumps
This in-depth look at the future of energy shows a coming crisis, with the oil shortage taking center stage due to India and China's thirst for cars. The U.S. sets a poor example for them to follow with low fuel taxes and long commutes.
13 Influential Environmental Leaders
Newsweek profiles the most influential environmental leaders of the last century.
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.
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
