World

Global issues, U.N., etc.

Envisioning a Future Urban Dronescape

Jeff Bezos' proposal to deliver packages by aerial drone has the potential to upset traditional models of logistics and distribution, but it's most powerful effect may be on the urban airspace. Are blue skies ahead for Bezos' vision?

December 12, 2013 - This Big City

New Report Explores the Benefits of BRT

By synthesizing existing literature and utilizing four detailed case studies, a new report from EMBARQ explores how bus rapid transit can impact the quality of life, productivity, health, and safety of city residents.

December 12, 2013 - TheCityFix

Can Billionaire Innovators Succeed in Disrupting How We Get Around?

While many are focused on fixing the legacy assets of another era, a group of innovative billionaires are training their talents on transforming the "sleepy realm of transportation," observes Kevin Robillard. Can they overcome the inherent obstacles?

December 11, 2013 - Politico

Does Privatizing Water Systems Make Sense?

Private financing of water systems goes at least as far back as ancient Rome. But as the number of people served by private water companies grows, some cities that have tasted privatization have found it lacking.

December 11, 2013 - The New Yorker

The World's Most Polluted Places

The Blacksmith Institute and Green Cross Switzerland recently released a list of places you definitely don't want to find yourself near: The World's Most Polluted Places.

December 11, 2013 - Fast Company Co.Exist

Vast Freshwater Reserves Found in the Last Place You'd Look

Australian researchers are agog over the discovery of 120,000 cubic miles of freshwater beneath the ocean floor. The reserves may help quench the world's approaching freshwater crisis.

December 9, 2013 - The Huffington Post

Honoring Architecture's Highs and Lows for 2013

They might call it the "Lunch with the Critics" award, but in my mind they're the "Archies" (is that taken?). Critics Alexandra Lange and Mark Lamster deliver their fourth annual awards for the best and worst in architecture and design of 2013.

December 8, 2013 - Observatory

Jan Gehl Laments 'Birdsh*t' Architecture

Jan Gehl argued at the Royal Institute of British Architects annual research symposium that architects and urban planners must do more research on how their schemes affect people.

December 8, 2013 - Future Cities

Citi Bike Rack

5 Secrets to Bike Share Success

Thriving bike share systems in DC and NYC are models for success. But other cities have struggled to create sustainable systems (DC's first effort failed, in fact). A new report offers a comprehensive guide to establishing bike share in your town.

December 6, 2013 - Treehugger

Liberating High-Quality Home Design

Does not having the money to hire a world-class architect mean you shouldn't be able to build a well-designed house? A new website seeks to make high-quality design accessible to the masses with open source architecture.

December 5, 2013 - Wired

New Study Challenges 2 Degree Climate Change Cap

New studies published this week challenge the 2 degree Celsius global warming threshold and call for an early warning system to monitor climate shifts.

December 4, 2013 - Grist

Anti homeless bench

The Sneaky Ways Cities Alter Our Behavior

If you think your city is doing all it can to make its public spaces pleasant for all residents, think again. From “pig’s ears” to the "Camden Bench", Frank Swain explores the "secret tricks" cities use to make spaces uncomfortable and unattractive.

December 4, 2013 - BBC

13 Ways to Kill Your Community

Scott Doyon reviews the book "13 Ways to Kill Your Community", by Alberta Legislative Assembly member Doug Griffiths and journalist Kelly Clemmer. In it, the authors reveal some of the "curiously recurring behaviors" that harm cities of all sizes.

December 4, 2013 - PlaceShakers

Ranking Architects' Favorite Architects

BD is out with its annual list of the architecture firms most admired by their colleagues. A number of large commercial practices joined avant-garde firms in the top 10.

December 4, 2013 - BD Online

New Visualization Tools Simulates Street Designs in 3D

Having a hard time selling a street re-design to skeptical stakeholders? Try “Unity3D Visualization”, a design simulation tool created by a Portland-based video game designer that lets viewers interact with proposed environments in three-dimensions.

December 1, 2013 - People for Bikes

A Look at the Remarkable Career of Laurie Olin

The tenth entry in the Cultural Landscape Foundation's award-winning Pioneers of American Landscape Design series features the renowned landscape architect Laurie Olin, recent winner of the National Medal of the Arts.

December 1, 2013 - ArchDaily

Friday Funny: Join the Party Bike Revolution

Ever feel like the bar-on-wheels revolution is passing you by? Fear not, your opportunity to become a part of the party bike industry is here.

November 29, 2013 - Pedal Crawler

10 Lessons From 'Un-Smart' Cities

Technology company Ericsson has published its 2013 list of the world's cities with the best information and communications technology (ICT) networks, but there are also good things happening in the cities with the least developed networks.

November 29, 2013 - Future Cities

Confronting Our Culture of Overconsumption

Just in time for America's "annual season of excess", Lee Epstein looks at the well hidden consequences of our insatiable appetites.

November 28, 2013 - NRDC Switchboard

30 Examples of Public Housing at its Best

At its best, public housing shouldn't just provide a roof and four walls, but utilize creative design to make low-cost buildings feel like high-quality homes. These 30 projects from across the world have found unique ways to meet that challenge.

November 27, 2013 - Best MSW Programs

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.