World
Global issues, U.N., etc.
How Futuristic Renderings Fail Future Cities
Pushing back on a version of futurism that imagines cities as a collection of iconic structures devoid of people and interactions.
The Alamo Granted World Heritage Site Status
The San Antonio Missions—five frontier missions that include The Alamo—were named among a group of new World Heritage Sites.
Lessons from Overseas Cycling Infrastructure
LennyBoy (civil engineering professor Glen Koorey) posts terrific information concerning bicycle planning best practices, based on his three-month tour of North American and European cities.
New Guide Helps City Leaders Design for Physical Activity and Health
The "Active Cities Report" by the Designed to Move coalition provides detailed guidance concerning how to integrate physical activity into community design, and information on the economic, social and environmental benefits that result.
Global Cities Allying with Each Other, Not with Nations
With nation-states often wracked by internal political divides and often unable to cooperate with each other, cities have begun to forge their own international relationships. A new, urban approach to foreign policy is emerging.
Adapting Landscape Architecture to the Anthropocene
As the effects of humans accelerate the changes occurring on the planet, landscape architects and planners alike will need to take into account ways that civilization can adapt to a lack of stability.
Friday Eye Candy: Full-Color, HD Videos Taken from Space
For the first time, full-color videos of the earth's surface will be made available to the public, with added options for paying customers. The imagery comes from two cameras on the International Space Station.
Urban Living as a Quadriplegic
Peter Apps, a quadriplegic for the past nine years, shares insight into how he evaluates the mobility and access of cities.
A Landmark Achievement for Renewable Energy in 2014
The headline from Quartz doesn’t hold back: "Renewable energy just had its best year ever."
Pope Goes Global: Let's Talk Local
Pope Francis, sticking to his job description, is out to save the world and all its creatures. Maybe we can help in our own little universes, where we can influence planning and design that makes for swell places and for reduced contributions to GHG.
Why Google's 'Sidewalk Labs' Is Such a Big Deal
Earlier in June, Google announced the creation of an "urban innovation company" called Sidewalk Labs. One writer explains the genesis of the company as well as its potential for the future of how cities operate.
No Papal Blessing for Cap-And-Trade
Governments must take correction actions to address climate change, warned Pope Francis in his June 18 encyclical, but cap-and-trade, which places a price on carbon emissions but can lead to speculation, is not one of them.
Pope Francis Taps Planners to Help Solve Climate Change
Pope Francis's unprecedented focus on climate change and the environment includes strong messages for planners and designers of the built environment.
End of the Line for Honda's CNG-Fueled Cars, Civic Hybrid, and Accord Plug-In
Honda announced that low gas prices contributed to low demand for the Civic Natural Gas, the only compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered car for sale, the Civic Hybrid, and their first plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle, the Accord.
Want Smart Kids? Provide Access to Green Space
A new study finds evidence of the benefits of green space for the cognitive development of children.
Designing The Urban Technology Landscape
Urban planners need to go beyond environment and stakeholder input, taking a stronger role in the development of new technologies to design new urban futures rather than relying on software engineers.
Mo' Money, Mo' Problems: Community Edition
Do we ever reach a point as a community wherein our problems are behind us? Sorry, but no. If anything, it gets more complicated.
United Nations Agreement Takes Action Against Deforestation
In a mover that came to a surprise to United Nations observers, the international body reached agreement on the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, or REDD+, initiative.
Google Launches its First Smart Cities Company: Sidewalk Labs
Google, already one of the most pervasive technology providers of urban experiences everywhere, has increased its bet on the smart cities movement.
6 of the World's Best Public Spaces
An annual competition to recognize public spaces for their economic and social benefit has announced six finalists.
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.
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
