World
Global issues, U.N., etc.
'Cargo Oriented Development' Brings Life To Industrial Areas
This piece from Smart Growth Online looks at transit oriented development near transit and freight facilities -- dubbed "cargo oriented development" -- as discusses how it can create value in neglected industrial areas.
Urban Revitalization Through Libraries
Cities across the world are investing in their libraries as opportunities to create world-class architecture and tourist attractions.
How To Integrate Projects With The Ecosystem
A list of more than 200 ways designers, architects and planners can improve the integration of projects with their surrounding ecosystems has been released by the American Society of Landscape Architects.
Understanding Rachel Carson
Rachel Carson is credited with launching the modern environmental movement with her landmark book "Silent Spring". Her work was attacked by the chemical industry. One hundred years after her birth, her critics are back.
Take A Virtual Walk
A new online visual mapping tool enables users to virtually tour places from a pedestrian's perspective online.
Connecting The Dots In Coastal Planning And Design
Climate change and rising sea levels will greatly threaten many of the world's cities and should be considered when planning and designing for coastal areas. But this article argues that planners and designers haven't yet "connected the dots".
Debate Surrounds Dallas Riverside Park Plans
Plans to build an expansive mid-city park in Dallas may be squashed as voters consider whether they want to pay for a six-lane tollway and various other highway improvements to mitigate the loss of transportation routes through the proposed park.
The 'Horror' of Gentrification
The recurring theme in horror movies of newly-arrived tenants being haunted by former tenants and vengeful spirits may be seen as a metaphor for gentrification, writes Sam Miller.
Another Fire, Yet Still More Homes
With two major fires in four years, San Diego County officials are trying to evaluate their options. Though many acknowledge that the battle against forest fires is a losing one, there are no proposals to restrict home building in fire prone areas.
Earth Headed For Environmental 'Tipping Point'
A recent 540-page report from the United Nations outlines the mega-problem of climate change, warning that failure to act may cause irreversible damage.
The Sustainability Century
Leading climate change scientist Tim Flannery talks about impact of global warming, the silencing of science, micro wind turbines, geothermal energy, compressed-air cars and what the California fires have in common with those in Greece and Australia.
The Beauty Of Parking Garages
Most people think of parking garages as ugly behemoths that perform a necessary evil, but one author and architect has a different way of looking at them.
Cementing The Road To Climate Change
The booming production and use of cement is the single largest material contributor to climate change.
Cities Also To Blame In Warming
With many studies expounding on the urban 'heat island' effect, it seems that global climate change can be blamed on cities just as much as suburbs -- if not more so. Joel Kotkin and Ali Modarres explain, and propose a greener suburb for the future.
Instant Shelter For Disaster Areas
This slideshow from Wired shows some examples of temporary, quick-build housing that can be used in post-disaster situations.
The Future Of Water
This article from The New York Times Magazine takes an in-depth look at the water shortages facing the country.
Planning for 'Sustainable Retreat'
Controversial scientist James Lovelock is convinced that current conceptions of "sustainable development" are hopelessly wrongheaded. We're facing a climate catastrophe, he believes, and only radical solutions will be up to the challenge.
Northern Deep-Sea Ports Eyed as Arctic Melts
Climate change is bringing year-round ice-free shipping between Canada and Russia, which could change international trade routes and boost the fortunes of Churchill, Manitoba.
The Seductions of 'Big'
The 164-story Barj Dubai is just one of many examples of architecture's new obsession with enormous buildings. While undeniably spectacular, these structures also raise questions about their social and environmental sustainability.
The Physical Footprint Of The World's Biggest Retailers
This graph from Good shows the acreage of some of the world's biggest retailers, including McDonald's, 7-11, and Wal-Mart.
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
