History / Preservation
Landscape Architecture's Obscurity
L.A.'s landscape architects are relatively obscure compared to their architect counterparts. Is this obscurity the reason landscape architecture isn't as protected as architecture?
A New Strategy for Shrinking Cities
In this article, Roberta Brandes Gratz argues that demolition-based strategies are not an effective way for shrinking cities to promote revitalization. Instead, she cites a recent auction of blighted homes in New Orleans as a better alternative.
Major Cities Throughout History
Cities have existed since about 5000 B.C. This post from Business Insider looks at some of the most important cities throughout history.
The Case Against Redevelopment Agencies
An article in City Journal praises Governor Jerry Brown's efforts to defund California's redevelopment agencies at a time when the state faces a $26 billion deficit. The author writes that the agencies are wasteful and ineffective.
When is Historic Preservation Just Misplaced Nostalgia?
With projects in the U.S. and the U.K., architect Rafael Vinoly attempts to navigate "the hazy and treacherous borderlands that lie between architectural history and public nostalgia."
The Yin and Yang of Urban Redevelopment in Hong Kong
Researchers from the University of Washington trace the history and development of Hong Kong, the skyscraper capital of the world, from reclamation of waterfront land in the 1800's to contentious urban renewal projects today.
Growth and Decline in the World's 590 Most Populated Cities
This interactive visualization presents population data and projections for the world's 590 most populated, showing how their populations compare to one another over time.
Photographing the Exclusion Zone in Nuclear Japan
This video from VBS follows photographer Donald Weber into the exclusion zone around the Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan, where he documents the aftermath of the evacuation.
Sprawl, European Style
The U.S. often gets a bad rap for its sprawling suburbs and unplanned development, but Robert Kwolek notes that many European cities and other parts of the world aren't far behind.
Looking at Olmsted and His Legacy
A new television documentary on Frederick Law Olmsted looks at the legacy of his Central Park and the sometimes serendipitous way he was able to leave an impact on the urban landscape of the U.S.
The Need for 'Blue Urbanism'
In a world heavily composed of and reliant on water, how we treat our oceans should be a major aspect of the way we think about planning and living on this planet, according to Timothy Beatley.
Recovery and Rebirth in Cleveland
A city in decline for decades, Cleveland is showing signs of recovery, according to this article from Smithsonian.
Libraries as Disappearing Public Spaces
With funding in question, the future of public libraries is uncertain. This slideshow explores how libraries function as a commons and public space in American cities.
The Importance of Trees
Elms, oaks and poplars- trees are an important part of our landscape, but their anonymity means that preservation can be challenging.
Aging Infrastructure Will Cost Canada Big
Canadian cities are facing major backlogs in terms of maintaining and updating infrastructure. Putting off the work is expected to cost cities billions.
Making Venice Work
The city of Venice, Italy, is a complex, historic, watery, tourist-filled place. This video explains how the city works.
Understanding L.A. in Dark and Light
This piece from Places discusses Los Angeles as a place difficult to wrap one's head around, and how light and darkness are so important to the city's identity.
Pop Star's Statue Leaves English Soccer Fans Confused and Angry
The unveiling of a statue of musician Michael Jackson outside a soccer stadium in England has confused and angered some fans.
Cleanup Crew Plays Ball in Closed Tiger Stadium
Volunteers in Detroit recently performed a community cleanup in an unlikely location: the old Tiger Stadium.
The Role and Impact of Preservation in L.A.
In this Q&A, architect Brenda Levin talks about the role of preservation in Los Angeles, and how restoring and reusing some of the city's historic buildings has created a long-term benefit.
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
