World
Global issues, U.N., etc.
Best of the Worst in Planning for 2007
Keeping track of the weird things that occur in the planning and government world – from rules prohibiting screaming on amusement park rides to “green” cremation techniques – isn't really necessary. But someone should do it anyway.
Square Roots
As part of a special issue on cities, the Canadian magazine The Walrus examines the little-known histories of famous public squares around the world.
What Does An Urban Planner Do?
This follow-up article from U.S. News and World Report gives a basic rundown of what an urban planner does on a typical day at work.
What Is An Urban Planner?
This "executive summary" from U.S. News and World Report describes what it means to be an urban planner -- named one of the 31 best careers.
Global Cities Go Green
Cities around the globe are making a variety of green efforts, offering models for cities looking to capitalize on th benefits of environmental planning.
Reducing The Environmental Footprint Of Death
When people die, they can still create negative impacts on the environment. Green burials are becoming a popular way to address this environmental concern.
Experts Weigh In On Urbanization
The Freakonomics blog at The New York Times recently put together a panel of experts and asked them to outline the implications of our increasingly urban world.
The Myth Of Resource Sustainability
John Brätland, senior economist with the U.S. Department of the Interior, offers his observations on how economists have let the myth of resource exhaustion persist from the nineteenth century to the present, and why it is misguided.
Do Starchitects' Egos Get in the Way of Good Design?
One critic claims that "starchitects" are more interested in flash than function. He recommends these architects work with mainstream developers to have a more positive impact on average people.
Surging Subways
Subway construction and expansion is being seen in cities across the world.
Cemetery Architecture Needs Improvement
Some cemeteries are being planned and designed for uses beyond the funeral. But more should be done to improve the banal architecture of the cemetery, according to this article from The Guardian.
Social Steps Toward Environmental Sustainability
Toronto's poet laureate argues that environmental sustainability cannot be achieved until people become better neighbors and create better communities.
Munich: A Marvel Of Smart Growth and Urban Planning
Urban planners and developers in the Western United States could learn a lot from Munich, Germany, argues one online commentator.
Trendy Transit
Subways are proliferating across the globe as metro status symbols and attracting new forms of urban investment.
Chinese City To Public: Comments Welcomed
In response to the outcry over a proposed chemical factory, the City of Xiamen has published an environmental impact report and is seeking public input on the project -- something rarely seen in China.
Are Driverless Cars Finally Here?
No longer science fiction, autonomous vehicles have the potential to reshape the transportation landscape. But are drivers ready to let go of the wheel?
Starchitects Designing More Than Just Buildings
With the pipeline of glitzy real estate projects slowing, star designers are branching out with new fashion items and other luxury goods.
The World's Most Desirable Country
Iceland slips past Norway to rank first in the latest United Nations Development Index. The U.S. slips four places to 12th place.
Will LEED Last?
The green building certification system LEED is gaining popularity, but some wonder if its success will last.
Against 'Audio Architecture'
On November 21st, Britain's "No Music Day" showed why taking a break from ubiquitous music in public spaces is a badly-needed means of reclaiming the ability to actually listen to your surroundings, writes Kevin Berger.
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 Thousand Oaks
City of Wisconsin Rapids
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA)
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
