A small pedestrian alleyway in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that developed slowly over more than 30 years reminds that architecture's placemaking abilities are not only seen in huge projects and iconic buildings.
"We often forget that architecture is much more than monuments."
"Architecture shapes most of the spaces we live in -- the little streets and alleys, the big squares and boulevards. They're defined by architecture the way a room is defined by its walls."
"A case in point is a charming brick-paved, tree-shaded, mid-block pedestrian alley in Cambridge, Massachusetts."
"Here, over a period of more than 30 years, a series of developers and architects, each working pretty much independently, added one little piece at a time until the Walk was complete. It was an amazing act of voluntary collaboration. Everyone saw the potential of the Walk and everyone made sure, as they built new buildings, to leave enough room for it."
FULL STORY: Designed so you'll walk this way
Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?
Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Minneapolis Bans Rent-Setting Software
Four cities have enacted restrictions on algorithmic software that can inflate rent costs.
Oakland to Add 244 New EV Chargers
Oakland plans to launch its new charging network at eight locations by the end of 2025.
Jane Goodall Inspires with Message of Hope, Resilience, and Environmental Action
Speaking in Pasadena, Jane Goodall offered a hopeful and inspirational message, urging global compassion, environmental responsibility, and the power of individual action to shape a better future.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
City of Moreno Valley
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland