World
Global issues, U.N., etc.
Space: 2069
The nonprofit urban planning group SHIFTboston has unveiled the results of their competition to imagine a lunar city that might be feasible by 2069 [slideshow].
When in Doubt, Adapt
Bjorn Lomburg argues that cities should not despair over rising sea levels climate change. Instead, they should adapt.
People Won't Care if They Can't See the Problem
It's kind of hard to tell, on a day-to-day basis, that humankind is drastically affecting the health of the environment -- a reality that makes arguing for sustainability even more difficult, according to Harry West.
Turning Yellow Cabs Green
Cities in the C40 climate leadership group from across the globe are looking into improving taxi services, citing them as key to mobility in urban centers.
Unconventional Oil To Play Increasing Important Role
Conventional oil supplies peaked at about 70 million barrels a day in 2006 according to the IEA, and will hold steady until 2035. However demand, primarily from China, will require an increase of 20% in oil to be filled by 'unconventional' supplies.
Five Materials Improving Sustainability In Construction
Joe Peach explains the technology behind five materials that will dramatically increase sustainability in the building industry. Among the list are wool bricks which are stronger, greater insulators and don't require firing to set.
Glowing Trees Light the Way
Researchers in Taiwan have discovered that gold nanoparticles can create luminescence in tree leaves, opening the possibility of glowing trees that cold act as streetlights.
Enough With the New, Greenfield Utopias
Sarah Goodyear of Grist thinks Masdar, Songdu City and other smart mega-projects are fascinating, but, she says, what about fixing the cities we already have instead?
Peak Oil Coming Soon, Says Energy Exec
Charles Maxwell, a former energy executive who is now an analyst at Weeden & Co., says "peak oil" will drive oil prices to US$300 a barrel over the next decade.
What Urban Agriculture Means for Urban Design
Charles Waldheim examines the current trend's roots in design and architectural history and how it might alter city form.
The Miracle of Gas From Algae Isn't Panning Out
Last year, the idea that diesel fuel could be created using algae was all over the news. Unfortunately, the effort can only work on a very small scale that makes no sense, says Jonathan Marshall of PG&E.
Making Cities Smarter and More Connected
Singapore, Masdar, Songdo City- each of these municipalities are creating "systems of systems", integrating their data from water, electrity, waste, etc. to make smarter decisions.
City Branding Can't Be Lipstick on a Pig
PlaceMaker Scott Doyon says that for cities -- maybe more than any other organization -- branding is about who you really are, and what what you really do, not a meaningless slogan or logo.
Geo-Location Still Not Hot
Location-based social networking is all the rage among marketers, investors and tech gurus. Just not among people, who are not flocking to use the geo-locating services.
Economic Powerhouse to Emerge in the Arctic
As result of climate change, dwindling resources and shifting demographics, a new economic powerhouse is likely to emerge in the arctic by mid-century, according to the new book "The World in 2050".
Urbanism As a Process
As populations shift to cities, the concept of urbanism begins to take on more relevance across the planet. In a recent book, author Jeb Brugmann explores what urbanism means as a trend and a process.
The Not-So-Good Impact of Goods Movement
A group of researchers and activists met recently to discuss the role of goods movement and logistics in and around ports, and how the industry contributes to local pollution problems and skews highway spending.
Can Cities Make Us Happier?
PlaceMaker Hazel Borys explores what might be the most important metric of sustainable places.
Bike Sharing Spreads, But Will It Last?
More and more European cities are following the lead of cities like Paris and installing bike sharing systems. This article from Der Spiegel wonders if they'll last.
Bike Sharing Becomes Part of Transportation Picture
Erik Weber of non-profit EMBARQ argues that bike sharing systems combine the benefits of cycling and public transit and is a sustainable solution for cities.
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
