World
Global issues, U.N., etc.
Metropolises Aren't Sustainable
Famed architect Leon Krier says that "metropolitan development is a mistake and is unsustainable," calling for a more polycentric approach.
Chilly Kazakhstan Building Indoor City
In the capital city of Astana, temperatures can drop to -40F. Kazakhstan's president Nursultan Nazarbayev says the city is fighting the cold by building an entirely indoor city, under a dome 2 kilometers across.
The 10 Most Important Maps in the World
This article from The Daily Mail takes a historical look at ten maps that changed the world.
Moon Base Could Be Built By 2020
Japan has announced plans to build a base on the moon by 2020. The base would be built and used by robots.
The Offering of the Modern World Expo
As host of the World Expo, Shanghai is opening its doors to the world. But with most of the Expo's visitors hailing from within China, it's much more of an international marketing effort for non-Chinese countries directed at the emerging super power.
No U.S. Cities in Top 25 Best Cities of the World
London-based consulting company Mercer released their yearly rankings of the 25 most liveable cities, and no American cities make the grade. Vienna is number one, and Vancouver takes fourth.
Connecting Land Use and Energy
When thinking about the right way to invest in renewable energy, it's important to realize the different land use impacts of solar, wind, biofuels, along with coal and nuclear, says Clinton Andrews of Rutgers University.
Friday Funny: Homemade Subway
Russian Leonid Murlyanchik has been building his own subway system underneath his neighborhood since 1984. He intends to run cars through it that will carry 3-4 persons each.
Maslow and Transit
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs basically says that some needs supercede others. Jarrett Walker argues that the need for speed on transit ranks significantly higher than placemaking, fun and other "self-actualizing" concerns.
A Fake Door in Paris
Four years ago, artist Julien Berthier put up a fake business front on a blank wall in Paris. Today the door is still there, one of a handful of fake storefronts in the world, says Geoff Manaugh.
Transport Revolutions
Lester Brown explores how bus rapid transit systems and other innovations are transforming transportation in cities across the world.
Retrofitting a "Planned" City in Mumbai
Navi Mumbai was a planned community built in the 1960s to reduce congestion in the city. The design catered only to the rich, with a golf course and upscale residential development. With a mandate to get more diverse, Navi Mumbai is at a loss.
Dreaming of Networked Cars
Brad Templeton dreams about a world of mini robot cars and the infrastructure savings that would result.
Time for an International Conservation Market?
A recent proposal by Britain's Conservative Party to create a system of conservation credits to protect biodiversity should be expanded to a global scale, according to this piece from The Guardian.
Harnessing Tidal Power With Underwater Kites
A Swedish startup is developing a kite-like turbine to capture the power of ocean waves to generate electricity.
What Motivates Street Art?
Are street artists inspired by the desire to improve their environment, or to comment on the banality of it?
The Issue No One Likes To Talk About
Population is the last taboo, says Mother Jones, but on the way to 10 billion in 2045, we might want to consider having the conversation.
Park Formulas do More Harm Than Good
Peter Harnik, director of the Center for City Park Excellence at the Trust for Public Land, believes that formulas for how much parkland cities and neighborhoods cause more harm than good.
The Future, Interactive Built Environment
Filmmaker Keiichi Matsuda imagines a future where augmented reality is everywhere, blanketing the built environment with advertising and interactive elements.
Is 'Parametricism' the Sustainable Style of the Future?
Patrik Schumacher of Zaha Hadid Architects argues that the unified style of architecture for the 21st century will be 'parametricism'.
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
