In his critique of "Urban Code: 100 Lessons for Understanding the City," San Francisco Chronicle Columnist John King says how the book's formula for a city doesn't do justice to its authenticity.
King takes out the book for a stroll during an afternoon in San Francisco to put the "100 Lessons" to the test.
"Many lessons were applicable as promised. People indeed walk in the sunshine (No. 1), often at a pace that shows they have a destination in mind (No. 87). I zigzagged a jaywalk through the perennial molasses of Third Street near Market, a variation of lesson No. 83, that 'pedestrians walk on a red signal, if traffic is slow.'"
Yet King was not in complete agreement with some lessons.
"Other lessons, though, are too New York-centric ('Wares are stored in the cellar,' No. 38), or too tied to the retail behemoth that SoHo has become. Almost two dozen dissect the behavior of shoppers and vendors, as if that is the key to neighborhood vitality."
FULL STORY: Guide to understanding cities takes a few detours
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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