World

Global issues, U.N., etc.

Flying Car

This Flying Car Could Hit the Market by 2017

Bloomberg reports that the dream vehicle of commuters everywhere—a flying car—might be available on the market within three years.

November 26, 2014 - Bloomberg

New York Skyline Fisheye

London School of Economics: Cities Should Adopt '3C Model' for Growth

A report from the London School of Economics focuses on the growth of cities around the world between 2012 and 2030, proposing a "3C model" for growth to ensure economic prosperity and to limit emissions.

November 26, 2014 - LSE Cities

Control Room

A Dissenting Take on Smart Cities from Rem Koolhaas

A post on the European Commission website provides an edited transcript of a presentation by Rem Koolhaas in which the starchitect and author offers a scathing take on the ill effects of smart cities.

November 26, 2014 - European Commission

The New Whistleblower: Using Satellite Images to Spot Environmental Damage

West Virginia-based SkyTruth is culling satellite and aerial images to blow the whistle on unreported damage to the environment.

November 24, 2014 - Fusion

Selling Urbanism: Don’t be an Aristarchus

As urban planners, we must not only innovate, but make our innovations count in the marketplace of ideas. We must make the benefits of livability easily understood, with a clear path for making them happen. Scott Doyon encourages rooted innovation.

November 21, 2014 - PlaceShakers

workspace

16 Online Tools And Resources for More Productive Planners

You manage multiple projects, plans, and engagement processes. You collaborate with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders. You report to your boss, council and the public. Is there a way to wring some productivity to get more done?

November 20, 2014 - Civicly

The Human Dimension of the Physical City

In his latest two contributions from the south of France, Chuck Wolfe reminds urbanists of the backdrop of the human dimension of affinity, conversation and daily rituals that stand behind the physical, human scale.

November 18, 2014 - The Huffington Post

Study Complicates Relationship of Population Growth, Emissions Reduction

More people translates to more emissions, right? Cut back on population growth and you'll reduce emissions and the threat of climate change, along with other environmental woes—it's a no-brainer. Or is it?

November 16, 2014 - The Washington Post - Wonkblog

Glasgow

The Undeniable Urbanism of the 'Plot'

According to researchers and practitioners in the United Kingdom, there's still room for another urbanism. Chuck Wolfe digests the recent Summit on Plot-Based Urbanism from Glasgow.

November 14, 2014 - myurbanist

Rådhuset Station

Friday Eye Candy: The Most Beautiful Metro Stations in the World

John Benjamin rounded up stunning images of the most beautiful subway stations from all around the world.

November 14, 2014 - Urbanful

A stream of mobile apps

How to Choose the Right Social Media Network for Your Planning Project

By now most planners agree that, in general, projects that don’t directly and negatively affect people, don’t generate a lot of public discussion. And residents who show up at public meetings tend to be the same characters weeks after weeks.

November 13, 2014 - Civicly

Will the Historic Climate Accord Survive the U.S. Political Process?

While environmentalists were hailing the historic carbon emissions reduction agreement between the leaders of the United States and China, the world's two largest emitters, Republican leaders wasted no time in slamming the accord.

November 13, 2014 - CBS News

Urban Ecology and the Evolution of the City

A recent article reveals the inconspicuous nature of the city—an ecosystem, "pipes and all."

November 12, 2014 - The Boston Globe

Berlin Hackeschen Höfe

Lessons Learned from Berlin Shopfronts

Susan Henderson looks to Berlin's delectable shopfronts for pointers. Not from the usual suspects like Kurfürstendamm and Friedrichstrasse, but from the neighborhoods of Prenzlaur Berg, Scheunenviertal, Kreuzberg, and of course, Hackeschen Höfe.

November 10, 2014 - PlaceShakers

Scarecrows 2.0

A new Dutch invention uses lasers to scare birds away, intended to mitigate their interference with critical industries.

November 9, 2014 - Co.Exist

Artisan Manufacturing Mixes Uses with Residential

Looking to integrate artisan manufacturing into a residential neighborhood? Berlin examples provide a few pointers, via Hazel Borys.

November 7, 2014 - PlaceShakers

Canyon the Grids

Friday Eye Candy: 'Crayon the Grids' City Mapping

Artist-scientist Stephen Von Worley is taking on a new project— mapping the world's city streets based on a complex set of algorithms and psychedelic colors.

November 7, 2014 - Urbanful

The Environmental Downside of Falling Oil Prices

Ben Adler of Grist writes how falling oil prices will affect climate change. Cheaper gas prices may encourage more driving and more truck sales at the expense of hybrid, electric, and fuel efficient cars, but the news may not be all bad.

October 31, 2014 - Grist

It's a Hydropower World

Around the world, countries are building new dams for hydroelectric power at a frenzied pace. Vox examines the benefits and drawbacks of hydroelectric power.

October 29, 2014 - Vox

Bumblebee Bike

The New Wonder Drug? Cycling, Some Advocates Say

Cycling has positive impacts both for cyclists and non-cyclists alike, helping to reduce pollution and congestion and improving health and economic factors with just two wheels.

October 28, 2014 - Urbanful

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.