Europe
Rediscovering The Arcades Of Paris
Though still struggling to survive as modern day retail hubs, the shopping arcades of Paris are attracting a resurgence of interest, especially from tourists.
Google's Virtual City
A detailed 3D model of Berlin has been added to the program Google Earth, enabling visitors to "walk" through the virtual city and many of its historic sites and buildings. The city and Google expect further integration, with virtual stores and more.
Big Plans For Europe's Largest Development
The city of Hamburg, Germany, is hoping to recreate its identity as a harbor city with an ambitious and expansive redevelopment plan. Many prominent architects have signed up to contribute to the project, which is set to complete in 2020.
Protected Territory List Disappoints Environmentalists And Investors
As part of its entrance into the European Union, Bulgaria was required to submit a list of territories it wanted to have protected. The list has fallen short of environmentalists' hopes, and gone too far in the minds of landowners and investors.
Moving A City
A Swedish town is being forced to relocate as decades of mining have compromised the bedrock on which the town was built. The relocation of the city's entire housing stock, public buildings, town center, and rail line is projected to cost billions.
Romanian County Seeks Stake In Dracula's Castle
A county in Central Romania has expressed interest in purchasing the castle used by the 15th Century medieval ruler who inspired the tale of "Dracula" -- seeing the castle as an opportunity to increase tourism in the Eastern European country.
Innovation Where The Sun Don't Shine
An Italian village that once spent almost three months of each year in the shadows of a nearby mountain has turned to technology to provide sunlight during its annual spell of darkness. A huge sun-tracking mirror now reflects light onto the village.
The Malling Of The Champs-Elysees
With some of the most expensive real estate in the world, chain stores are now dominating the famed Champs-Elysees. Government officials in Paris are developing plans to counter the prevalence of corporate outlets, but some fear it may be too late.
As Plans For Europe-Africa Rail Link Develop, U.S. Lags
Plans for a long-imagined underwater high speed rail line connecting Europe and Africa emphasizes the comparative lack of rail development in the United States.
Rome's Subway Dig 'Slowed Down By The Past'
As Rome tries to provide transit options for its millions of residents and visitors, city planners and preservationists have struck a delicate balance between providing modern transportation and acknowledging the city's rich buried history.
Dracula's Castle For Sale
The family in Bucharest, Romania that owns Bran Castle -- famous for its connection to the 15th century medieval ruler who inspired "Dracula" -- plans to sell the fortress to local authorities for $78 million.
Germany's Robot Rail Taxi
A German engineer has developed small, individually-powered rail cars which he hopes to put into use on the country's old railroad tracks. The systems is a new fusion of trains and taxis, operating automatically for on-call use by small groups.
Dublin Planner Has Big Plans For Irish Capital
City Planner Dick Gleeson has his sights set high for the city of Dublin, Ireland, proposing a remodeling of the city by 2016. His plans include everything from increased open space and bike paths to continued economic development to curb sprawl.
Auto Emissions In Europe Increasing Along With Sprawl
In Europe, vehicular emissions are increasing while emissions from industry and the population growth rate decline. More people throughout the world are driving, especially in those countries where the "newly rich" enjoy their new mobility.
The Most Expensive City For Housing In Eastern Europe
Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, is widely believed to be the most expensive city in which to buy a house in eastern Europe. Prices have seen a major surge in the last few years, with some prices increasing by up to 25% in the last two months.
The Debate Over Berlin's Tempelhof Airport
Though hemmed in by urban development and eclipsed by the city's other two airports, plans to close down Tempelhof continue to meet resistance.
Pedestrians Versus Motorists In Paris
Plans for making Paris a greener and more pedestrian friendly city are infuriating motorists in the city.
A Green, Car-Free, Family-Friendly Neighborhood In Germany
The Vauban neighborhood on a former military base in Freiburg, Germany was not designed around the automobile. In fact, some streets are too narrow for them. And unlike much of Europe, this is a city made to accommodate young families with children.
Planning And Preservation In St. Petersburg, Russia
A new report from The Classical City, a journal dedicated to preserving St. Petersburg, Russia, describes the destructive effects of the city's new plan and calls for architecture that is consistent with the city's character.
Paris Says No More Clothing Stores On Champs Elysées
The city's commercial planning committee rejected an application from Swedish retailer H&M, saying the famous boulevard -- already home to major clothing retailers -- needs less shops and more cinemas, restaurants and cafes.
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.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
