Cairo is revising its downtown area into a "pedestrian friendly plaza." Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif will expand the successful 'daytime pedestrian zones,' and has launched an international design competition to produce a master plan.
Current proposals "include building multi-story underground garages outside of the center city," which will encourage people to ride into the city center on street cars or by foot. It is also hoped that open air restaurants will stimulate growth in the arts and hospitality industries.
Although the plan will alter the center drastically, Fast Company notes that "there is no broader plan yet to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) throughout the city," so air pollution levels will remain high. In response, Egyptian officials have begun working towards establishing an urban lung within the new pedestrianized zone.
FULL STORY: Cairo Will Turn Its Downtown into A Pedestrian Plaza
Even Small Urban Green Spaces Boost Biodiversity
A recent study from the University of Melbourne demonstrates the positive impacts small urban greening projects can have on city ecosystems.
Rick Steves on Walkability Lessons From Europe
Many of Europe’s pedestrian-friendly, transit-rich cities weren’t always that way.
Pike Place Market Vendors Open to Pedestrianization
A survey of local business owners and vendors upends the common belief that frontline workers don’t support restricting vehicle access to the iconic Seattle market.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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