World
Global issues, U.N., etc.
Ranking the Best City Brands
"The inaugural Guardian Cities brand barometer ranks world cities on everything from transport and weather to crime and social 'buzz.'" Guardian Cities released a trio of posts in connection with the rankings.
Climate Change Impacts all of U.S., warns National Climate Assessment
For the third time since 2000, the federal government has issued a National Climate Assessment, as mandated by Congress in 1990, to “understand, assess, predict, and respond" to climate change. The report was approved by President Obama on Tuesday.
Let Your Freak Flag Fly
In the celebratory spirit of Cinco de Mayo, Scott Doyon invites you to let your freak flag fly.
Driverless Taxis: the Next Next Big Thing in Urban Transportation?
The idea of cars that would drive themselves has only recently moved from science fiction to reality. In this feature, Antonio Loro explores the feasibility and implications of automated vehicles, especially self-driving taxis.
The Elements and Benefits of the Protected Intersection
A Dutch design for a protected intersection goes beyond the "mixing zone" to create safer multi-modal conditions in intersections on streets that include protected bike lanes. Do you think it will work?
Climate Change: a Global Commons Problem
A quick city planner's guide to the voluminous Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report out earlier this month.
On the Strange Isolation of Abandoned Cities—In World of Warcraft
Drawing heavily on comparisons to the booms and busts of American cities, a writer describes the perfectly-preserved, abandoned, virtual cities of the popular online game World of Warcraft.
Celebrating the Botanical Diversity of Cities
The word “ecology” has been co-opted so widely that it has lost real meaning, yet ecological thinking remains a powerful lens for understanding complex adaptive systems. A new book aims for a more rigorous engagement of ecology and design.
Do Tall Cities Require the Regulation of Sunlight?
Planners, lawyers and homeowners have been arguing the question of "solar rights" for two millennia. A recent article presents a primer on the historic and contemporary importance of the debate.
Study: Walking Increases Creativity
It's common knowledge that taking a walk can help get the creative juices flowing—but a new study by researchers at Santa Clara University claims to have proven it.
How Tall is Too Tall?
What is the best height to promote good urban living? It needs to be high to attain necessary density but not so high that it detracts from the quality of life, particularly for existing residents. In short, what is the Goldilocks height level?
Friday Eye Candy: The 'Most Definitive' Film About Water
Canadian filmmakers Jennifer Baichwal and Nick de Pencier created a feature length documentary film called Watermark to capture the “existential interactions around the world with water."
Travel Back in Time with Google Street View
Clear your schedule: a new feature on Google Street View allows users to click through images from the past.
Engage; Don’t Rage: Use a Design Charrette to Negotiate Your Next Development Proposal
Despite the investments required of a design charrette, Robert Freedman makes the case that the process can save time and money on complex projects by way of three primary benefits.
Ranking the Most Resilient Cities
Resilience has entered into the planning and urbanism lexicon as a large challenge for all places pursuing prosperous, sustainable futures. A new study examines the world’s leading cities for lessons in resilience.
How Cities Miss the 'World Class' Mark
A recent article on the Stanford Social Innovation Review blog argues that instead of chasing gleaming skyscrapers, planners in developing cities should build a new model of the "world class" city.
Arguing for City-Focused Sustainable Development Goals
Richard Florida joins the chorus calling for the United Nations to make “cities the centerpiece of its forthcoming Sustainable Development Goals.”
The History of GPS—Back to the First Century
A new book details the primitive origins of the GPS tracking technologies that are so pervasive in today’s mobile-phone-enabled world.
Time Running Out for Climate Change Action, Warns IPCC
In its second major report since 2007, the U.N. panel's report was not all bad news. It noted that while nations may be slow to agree to climate treaties, city and state governments have written their own climate plans along with the private sector.
As the Seas Rise, Cities 'Dither'
The world’s coastal cities now face an impossible situation as a result of climate change. While the impacts and catastrophes become inevitable, why do cities like San Francisco dither rather than act?
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont
