World
Global issues, U.N., etc.
Where the (Concrete) Sidewalk Ends
When you think of sidewalks, you most likely think of concrete. Though it makes up the vast majority of sidewalks, concrete isn't the only game in town.
The Gold Medal for Planning Goes To...
Gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded for town planning were at the 1928 and 1932 Olympics, along with architecture, sculpture, painting, music and literature.
The Death and Gentrification of Great American Cities
Sharon Zukin's new book takes a different look at the urbanity championed in Jane Jacobs' seminal book "The Death and Life of Great American Cities", arguing that gentrification is tearing up the authenticity of places.
Learning From Bug Cities
As architects and planners seek to create sustainable buildings and cities, some scientists suggest looking at the intricate home-building of insects.
Neighborhood Nuclear
Small-scale nuclear reactors could be a new, cheap way to provide power for neighborhoods. But their inherent controversy remains.
The Importance of Being Urban
If we are "urbanists," does that mean we're anti-suburban? Or do choice and economics define our choices? Architect Fanis Grammenos reflects on his own history of shelter and the ideology of urbanism.
Ugly Building? Wrap On A New Facade
Outdated or ugly building blighting your skyline? Maybe what it needs is a "facade graft".
Cities in the Emerging Age of Communication
We may not be driving flying cars, but the futuristic city is here -- in the form of a more intimate connections, communication technologies and social interactions. Former Planetizen Managing Editor Christian Madera discusses.
Desertification Threatens 38% of World's Surface
With water in increasing demand and unsustainable land use patterns threatening supplies, a new report claims that nearly 40% of the earth's surface is arid and in danger of desertification.
Will You be Driving an iMo or a Mo-Du-Lo?
Huffington Post offers a slide show of finalists in the 2010 Michelin Challenge to come up with the electric cars of the future. The radical designs include unicycles, rolling spheres and designs based on flying fish.
10 Ways to Boost Neighborhood Pride
Kyla Fullenwider offer ten simple ideas to improve the livability of your block.
One Latvian Town For Sale, Cheap
A secret Russian military facility abandoned by the Russian military when the Soviet Union collapsed was sold at auction on Friday by the Latvian government. Officials celebrated the sale and hoped it could bring new life to the empty town.
How We Eat May Be Biggest Impact of Urbanization on Nature
This post from The Nature Conservancy examines the impact of urbanization on nature and finds that our rising food needs will be one of the most important implications.
How Mobile Apps Will Change Your City
Gigaom looks at a handful of "augmented reality" apps, both current and projected, that create an interface between the internet and the world around us.
Amoeba Design Efficient Transit System
The growth patterns of amoebae as they spread out to connect to food sources bears a striking resemblance to the map of a rail system. Some say the amoeba could inform urban planners and designers.
Bringing Context to Architectural Photography
This piece from The New York Times profiles architectural photographer Iwan Baan, whose style differs from the status quo to emphasize the urban and social context of the buildings he's photographing.
Recovery Through the Open Source Design Movement
With the devastation in Haiti fresh in mind, Good's Alissa Walker takes a look at the growing practice of sharing design ideas.
Cities With Car-Free Potential
This post from Treehugger looks at 6 cities that could potentially go car-lite or car-free.
The Science of Casual Connections
A new book reveals that our extended network of acquaintances is more important to us than we might think.
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