United Kingdom
More Garden Cities? Richard Rogers Says No
The Town & Country Planning Association of Britain recently released a report calling for more "garden cities" a la Ebenezer Howard. Famed British architect Richard Rogers thinks that's crazy.
Against the Olympic 'Regeneration Culture' in London
In a new book, author Iain Sinclair argues against the Olympic redevelopment of London's East End, and argues that the legacy goals its planners are pushing largely already exist.
Historic Preservation: The Reality Show
A new series from the BBC tracks six homeowners trying to convert historic (or just plain old) buildings into modern homes.
Cloudy Outlook for Solar Energy in Britain
The Economist argues that heavy reliance on solar power as an alternative energy source will not help Britain meet its greenhouse-gas reduction targets in 2050 due to operational and financial infeasibilities.
Public Ping Pong to Invade English City
More than 40 ping pong tables will be placed in public spaces throughout the English city of Hull this summer. It's part of a nationwide effort to get more people to exercise.
Will Congestion Pricing Backfire in the U.S.?
The U.S. Department of Transportation in 2007 selected five cities it thought could effectively implement congestion pricing, but none have come to fruition. What's holding back congestion pricing in the U.S.?
Londoners Expect Olympics to Bring Transportation Legacy
A new survey of Londoners shows that improved transportation is seen as the most likely long-term benefit from hosting the 2012 Summer Olympics.
The Temporary Stadium
As London prepares to host the 2012 Summer Olympics, plans for a temporary basketball stadium that can be removed after the event are offering a new way to look at the event and its potential for creating venues with no long-term usability.
Fanciful Bike Storage Mounts on Tall Buildings
Design firm Manifesto Architecture is proposing a unique vertical bike storage system that can take advantage of underused, slim spaces like alleys. Another neat aspect: the rack is powered by a stationery bike.
Britons are Driving Less
British cities report 9% fewer car trips per person and a 5% decline in distance traveled by car. That's because fewer young people are deciding to learn how to drive, says Prof. Phil Goodwin of the University of West of England.
Will Olympics Earn Green Medal for London?
The 2012 Olympics are hoped to create a big economic boost for host city London. The event's long-term impacts on the environment, though, are still hard for organizers to predict.
Swimming Pool Heated by Waste Heat from Cremations
Crematories produce a lot of waste heat. Is it sacrilegious to recycle that excess heat to warm a swimming pool, as is the plan in Redditch, England?
London Weighs Transportation Concerns as Olympics Loom
Transportation is increasingly seen as a major concern as London prepares to host the 2012 Summer Olympics. As crowds fill the city, many wonder whether it will be able to handle the load and keep everyone moving.
Floating Walkway Planned for London Olympics
Officials in London are considering a plan to build a 1-kilometer floating walkway on the Thames River in time for the 2012 Summer Olympics.
How Universities Affect their Local Economies
The UK-based Centre for Cities published a short report about the several ways that universities can affect local economic performance.
Walkability Makes Housing More Expensive
A new study shows that improving streets with widened sidewalks, better lighting and other walkability measures can increase the nearby home value as much as $50,000.
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."
Crowds Could Overstrain London Transit During Olympics
As London prepares to host next summer's Olympic Games, officials worry that the city's transit system will not be able to meet increased demand.
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.
London's Skyscraper Boom Trickles Off
A number of large skyscrapers in London, approved and financed before the recession, are being completed. But with no new ones planned, these skyscrapers are looked at as the end of an age of large-scale building.
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
