World

Global issues, U.N., etc.

Is L.A. More Crowded Than New York?

In "L.A. the King of Sprawl, Not at All," Robert Bruegmann reports that Los Angeles is one of the densest areas in the country. His article reinforces the notion that L.A. is already a very dense place, but is it true?

September 20, 2006 - Livable Places

The Rebirth of Rivers

Impressed by the successful 'rebirth' of rivers like the Clyde, cities are scrutinizing waterfront redevelopment projects and adding rivers to their civic portfolios.

September 19, 2006 - Sunday Herald

Building 'Green' Schools

If voters approve a new school construction bond, plans call for eco-friendly school buildings to begin sprouting up all over Portland, Oregon.

September 18, 2006 - The Oregonian

Cities Still Reaching For The Sky

Despite the security concerns after September 11th, skyscraper construction has continued in cities around the globe.

September 18, 2006 - The Standard

How Bad Leadership Spoils Good Planning

In many ways, a successful urban planner is first and foremost a leader, yet far too many professionals lack the ability to lead, and ignore the importance of cultivating good leadership skills.

September 18, 2006 - Leonardo Vazquez, AICP/PP

Oil Producers Deny 'Peak Oil'

In an effort to counter "peak oil" theory, the oil industry has launched a campaign to educate oil-consuming nations that plenty of crude is available, and alternatives to oil are not necessary. The US Dept. of Energy will also research peak oil.

September 17, 2006 - The Wall Street Journal

Siberia: A Global Warming Time Bomb

While carbon dioxide has received the most attention as the primary greenhouse gas, methane, while less prevalent, is far more powerful in its ability to retain heat. The melting permafrost in Siberia represents a major source of methane emissions.

September 17, 2006 - AP via USA TODAY

Friday Funny: 'The Hottest Hoax'

An animation by Mark Fiore uncovers the global warming hoax.

September 15, 2006 - Mark Fiore

Megacities And The Future Of Architecture

An exhibition challenges stereotypes and explores the role architects will play in shaping the megacities of tomorrow.

September 15, 2006 - Abhijeet Chavan

In Search Of Architecture And Its Meaning

The bleak emphasis on the world's urban problems at the 10th International Architecture Exhibition at the Venice Biennale overwhelms any architectural aspirations.

September 15, 2006 - The New York Times

The Business Of Transit Ads

Stockholders in JCDecaux, the world's largest street furniture company, are smiling after the company announced higher profits due to growing demand for advertisements in airports and transit stops.

September 14, 2006 - Christian Madera

Voters Won't Create Appointed Zoning Board

Alabama residents voted down a proposition to create a zoning and planning district in the community of Fowl River over fears that the appointed 7-member board would have too much power to shape the town.

September 14, 2006 - Mobile Press-Register

Can Architecture's 'New And Powerful Libido' Save The World?

Architect Margaret Helfand, reporting from the 10th annual Venice Architecture Biennale, describes the exhibition as a "call to arms" in a "life or death" struggle to ensure humanity's survival in a rapidly urbanizing world.

September 13, 2006 - ArchNews Now

Spanish Beach Resorts Swallowed By Warming

Global warming and rising sea levels are posing a threat to the livelihood of Southern Spain's bustling beach resorts. Some resort owners are already bringing in their own sand to counteract the receding beach space.

September 13, 2006 - The Guardian Unlimited

Developer Avoids Infrastructure Costs In Nebraska

A large subdivision in Nebraska is generating controversy over a zoning change that allows the developer to avoid paying for road improvements and maintenance. Residents fear this will open the door for other developers to find the same loophole.

September 13, 2006 - Washington County Pilot-Tribune & Enterprise

Maryland Sewage Treatment Tax Is Green Light For Developers

A Maryland statewide tax that provides communities with funding to improve sewage treatment facilities has been used as an excuse to increase sprawling development.

September 12, 2006 - The Baltimore Sun

Distinguishing The Work Of A Good Architect

A slideshow on Slate.com examines the work of famous architects using staircase design as a case study.

September 10, 2006 - Slate Magazine

William Garnett's Poetic Vision With Aerial Photography

William A. Garnett, a pioneer of aerial photographs that revealed unusual land patterns died at the age of 86.

September 9, 2006 - The Los Angeles Times

Critics Concerned As Cities Cash-In On Red-light Cameras

Critics cite many concerns--privacy, safety, accuracy, fairness--but cameras are gaining ground and cities are cashing-in on the hefty fines paid by offenders.

September 8, 2006 - MSN

California's Bold Plan To Address Global Warming

Curtis Moore, a Republican, urges Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to sign global warming bills that could make California's approach a model for addressing the adverse impact of climate change.

September 5, 2006 - The Los Angeles Times

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.