World
Global issues, U.N., etc.
An Architectural Yelp?
A new website intends to be both a crowdsourced wiki of information on buildings and an open forum for architectural criticism.
Synchronized Driving
University of Missouri-Kansas City researchers are making headway on "self-synchronizing moving objects" -- that is, getting cars to communicate with each other on highways so they can travel at faster speeds without accidents.
18 Unusual Examples of Landscape Architecture
Popular Mechanics features a slideshow of fantastic examples of landscape architecture, from Scotland's Garden of Cosmic Speculation to the Growth Chamber on the International Space Station.
PBSJ In Agreement to Be Aquired By London Company
Major engineering firm PBSJ is in talks with Atkins to be acquired by the London-based firm. PBSJ, which is employee-owned, reportedly sought out the sale to bring in more capital for expansion.
When Life Gives You Opium, Make Biofuel
A U.S. ambassador is proposing a novel approach to helping Afghanistan -- since opium crops are rampant, why not find a way to turn poppies into biofuel?
More Cyclists Means Safer Streets
Studies show that traffic-calming measures and bike lanes increase the number of cyclists on the street and decrease the risk of collisions.
Most Successful Urban Planning - Ever?
Public Servant Blog dares to compile a completely subjective list of the Top 20 Urban Planning Successes of All Time, with selections ranging from the obvious (Amsterdam) to the less so (Marimont, Ohio). See if you agree.
A City on the Pacific Garbage Patch?
Dutch conservationists are proposing to create a floating community built on top of the patch of garbage swirling out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
The Past and Future of Urban Agriculture
Urban agriculture is not a new idea. Grist's Tom Philpott says the renewed interest in the idea should look for good ideas from its past.
Kazakhstan Utopia Debuts
Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa designed a utopian vision interweaving the city and nature. Three years after his death, his vision is complete. Rowan More of the Observer pays Astana, the new capital, a visit.
Supermodel Sirens on "Sanctuary" Island
Is there an ideal model for a city's circulation, a "supermodel"? Fanis Grammenos reviews a new paper that proposes the use of organic forms first recognized by Christopher Alexander.
The Future Needs of Cities
One of the problems with investing in large infrastructure, and transportation in particular, is that it's difficult to predict the needs of future cities, says Mathias Crawford. If we're all telecommuting, will we need buses?
Could Meetings on The Subway Become As Common As Graffiti?
The current norm of commuting, which happens all at once and too often by car, is placing too much stress on our infrastructure, our resources and even our emotional health. Melissa Lafsky reports how the structure of our workdays could be changed.
Artificial Trees Could Be Climate Key
Carbon dioxide is one of the most widespread greenhouse gases produced by humans. Trees can absorb it, but release it when they die. Scientists are looking to build artificial trees to do the job permanently.
Traffic Tightens in Moscow
Traffic has become thick and widespread throughout Moscow, where long lines of cars harken back to the dying days of the Soviet era.
Urban Farming Rising
Urban agriculture is becoming a well-known idea all around the world. Most of it is done at the small-scale, but there's still the idea of creating large skyscraper farms to feed our cities. Smithsonian takes a look at the idea.
Designing Urban Areas to Hear the Sounds of the City
Cities make more sounds than just cars driving by or factories humming. Trevor Cox says we should embrace the subtle sounds of cities, and update our urban design to make sure we can.
Two Conflicting Population Issues Affecting The World
A population research group reports on two simultaneously occurring population trends in the world affecting developed and less developed nations: Working age adults have dropped precipitously, while poorer nations grow too fast.
Solar Power Gains Cost Advantage Over Nuclear
Diana Powers reports that the cost of solar photovoltaic panels has declined "to the point where they are lower than the rising projected costs of new nuclear plants, according to a paper published this month."
The Double O's Were the Hottest Years on Record
A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Report published on Wednesday found that the last decade has been the hottest on record, and clearly points to the conclusion that our planet is warming.
Pagination
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