World
Global issues, U.N., etc.
Are "Smart Cities" Really Just "Gizmo Green"?
Kaid Benfield says that the current trend towards "intelligent cities" is driven by large corporations, and "futuristic technology won’t fix many of our basic urban problems."
Make No Little Plans Without Twitter
Chuck Wolfe suggests five "Burnhamisms" for getting communities inspired and engaged with urban planning, including using social media and video to communicate your message.
Making Room for a Planet of Cities
As cities in developing countries expand, is smart growth the right approach? The conclusions of a new report by the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy may surprise you.
Gen X, the Community Builder
Will the settling down of Generation X, whose youngest members are now turning 30, represent a boom in localism and community building? Scott Doyon thinks so.
New Designs Add Sails to Hybrid Ferries
Hybrid solar/diesel ferries have been plying the waters for some time now, but now a number of new technologies are being implemented, including one of the very oldest - sails.
High-Speed Rail's Hidden Agenda
Writing for Newsweek, George Will claims that the real reason that progressives are gung ho for high-speed rail is because it suppresses the individualism of Americans and makes them more subservient to government.
What Do Twitter Patterns Say About Your City?
A study of Twitter-use patterns found that some cities are far more active early in the morning, while others showed higher activity at night or on weekends.
Barbie Has A New Career: Architect
Each year Mattel asks the public to vote on Barbie's next career. After a ten-year campaign, Mattel has decided to make Architect Barbie. The company hopes that Architect Barbie will inspire the next generation of female architects and designers.
Is There A Problem of Ethics in Transit Consulting?
Jarrett Walker writes that he doesn't think there is an "experienced transit planning consultant on the planet" who hasn't been in a situation where backroom, off the record political decisions are made "at the expense of transit outcomes."
Does London Have the Most User-Friendly Public Transit?
In preparation for the 2012 Olympics, the City of London has announced its plans to introduce a revolutionary ticketing system to allow easier access to its public transit network.
Food Markets are Booming
Angela Starita reports on the growing popularity of "haute food courts" -- high-end food markets -- and what they mean for cities.
Rethinking the Brick
The Brickstainable design competition challenges designers to find "solutions that exploit the thermal qualities of masonry construction in an urban building." Geoff Manaugh looks at some of the interesting ways designers remade the lowly brick.
An Urbanized and Unequal Planet
In this piece from Metropolis, Joel Kotkin argues that as the world urbanizes, cities are becoming increasingly unequal and do not provide the opportunities they once did.
The Importance of Public Squares
With the recent developments happening in North Africa and the Middle East, public squares are taking center-stage as the epicenters of change.
Music Video Promotes Bicycle Use in Africa
The video was created by a group of Kenyan teenagers who submitted it for the "1 Minute to Save the World Video Contest," which they won.
Public Space and Revolution
Jay Walljasper discusses the role of public spaces in recent protests and revolutions from Madison, Wisconsin to Cairo, Egypt.
Sustainable Community Character, and How Planners Can Create It
Planners' activities in a community have a direct impact on its character, says Edward Jepson, and can be pivotal in creating sustainability.
Tel-Aviv's New Master Plan Kept Secret From Residents
The Mayor of Tel-Aviv has called the new Master Plan a "constitution for the city," yet local officials have stated they will not comment on the plan until after it is approved by the city council.
Student Entrepreneur Tackles Traffic Congestion
Frustrated by inadequate public transportation and environmental degradation caused by traffic congestion in the city, a Mumbai MBA student attempts to introduce bike-sharing to this mega-city.
The Problem With Skyscrapers
Michael Mehaffy writes that there is growing research that paints a decidedly mixed picture on the benefits of tall buildings.
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
