Are billboards visual pollution, or valuable information source? Sao Paolo, Brazil banned billboards in the city in 2007 and is an interesting case study.
Arkinet has many excellent photographs of Sao Paolo's former billboards. Could the city's billboard ban work in other cities, and would it be a good idea if so?
Arkinet writes, "Implementing what in current society is such a drastic measure–banning the very lifeblood of the global economy in the public realm–wouldn't be without its imperfections. Assuming the genuine intentions of the 'cleaner city' plan and its implicit commitment to preserving culture, finding means of minimizing ‘visual pollution' is just as logical as countering noise, air, water or any other form of pollution Of course, subjectivity comes into play if some equate visual pollution to aesthetic vibracy for what is a metropolis without the lights and flashing neon signs? New York without Times Square? Tokyo minus Ginza?"
FULL STORY: Publi-City or No Publi-City?
Supreme Court Case Could Transform Sign Regulations
If the Supreme Court upholds a lower court decision, cities could lose a long-standing right to regulate 'off-premises' billboards.
Criticism of San Jose's Plan to Add New Billboards to the City
San Jose banned new billboards in 1985, but a proposal making its way through the planning department would allow for a wave of new billboards in the city. One local columnist isn't buying it.
San Jose City Council Supports New Billboards
San Jose, California is suddenly taking a much more permissive approach to large billboards.
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.
Placekeeping: Setting a New Precedent for City Planners
How a preservation-based approach to redevelopment and urban design can prevent displacement and honor legacy communities.
San Francisco’s Muni Ridership Grew in 2024
The system saw its highest ridership since before the Covid-19 pandemic, but faces a severe budget shortage in the coming year.
Colorado Lawmakers Move to Protect BRT Funding
In the face of potential federal funding cuts, CDOT leaders reasserted their commitment to planned bus rapid transit projects.
Safe Streets Funding in Jeopardy
The Trump administration is specifically targeting bike infrastructure and other road safety projects in its funding cuts.
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.
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