Architecture

Finding Solace in the Uniqueness of Landscape
Decades ago, Walter Benjamin theorized that pretty much everything could be reproduced—and, therefore, nothing was unique. This dismal conclusion, however true it may be, ignores the uniqueness of landscape.

Worldwide Response to the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics: Skepticism
More than one media outlet praised Los Angeles' optimism for cutting a deal with the International Olympics Committee to host the 2028 Olympics.

Pigs Will Not Fly at the Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago
The city denied an application for an art installation that would have tethered giant golden pigs to a barge on the Chicago River, temporarily interrupting the view of the sign on the infamous Trump sign.
New Poll Shows Broad, Bipartisan Support for Hiking Federal Gas Tax
A majority of Americans of both parties support raising the gas tax to pay for road improvements. Could it provide the source of the $200 billion in federal funds for Trump's $1 trillion infrastructure plan?

Friday Friendly: More Houses Should Have Patios in the Front
With so many houses oriented to the privacy of backyards, one street in St. Louis has redefined neighborly by orienting their sitting and relaxation areas to the front yard.

Op-Ed: Out-Of-Town Architects Miss a Huge Opportunity
A Cleveland architect offers a scathing critique of the design choices made by one of the city's cultural institutions.

The New Enemy of the Alt-Right: Modern Architecture
Are the iconic symbols of modern architecture a new front line in the new era of culture wars?

120-Foot Ferris Wheel a No-Go in St. Louis
A 120-foot-tall Ferris wheel, proposed in the St. Louis neighborhood of Delmar, was dead on arrival with residents.

One Developer's Idea for Regional Housing Solutions in Southern California
New housing development is off to a slow start in Los Angeles in 2017. Although the city defeated an anti-growth ballot measure, LA is still faced with a number of policy and legal challenges to building an adequate supply of affordable housing.

L.A. Metro CEO Challenges Trump on Infrastructure Funding
President Trump’s most recent transportation budget is projected to cut transportation spending by 13 percent, potentially undercutting many of Los Angeles' ambitious projects to continue the build-out of a full public transportation system.

Seattle Tackling Equity Challenges With Global Lens
Seattle is faced with an affordable housing crisis that has led the new Planning & Community Development Director Sam Assefa to look globally for solutions.

Los Angeles' New Tower and the Silly Rules That Govern Building Height
Los Angeles' new Wilshire Grand tower is tall and impressive. But, in reality, it's about 100 feet shorter and perhaps less impressive than the arbiters of skyscrapers say it is. Whatever the definition, it might be time to quit venerating height.

$6 Million: The Cost of Removing the Trump Brand from Toronto Hotel
JCF Capital ULC wanted so badly to reboot the branding at the Trump International Hotel & Tower in Toronto, it paid $6 million to start over.

With Resources Scarce, Bridge-Builders Cultivate Creativity
Innovation means different things to different people. For Bridges to Prosperity (B2P), a nonprofit that builds footbridges in the developing world, it’s a way to help people thrive despite limited resources.

McMansion Hell Blog in Legal Hot Water with Real Estate Site Zillow
[Updated June 29, 2017] It's been a mixed bag for viral sensation McMansion Hell. The same day as a feature video by The Washington Post, the news broke that the website is facing potential legal charges from real estate site Zillow.

New Tallest Building West of the Mississippi Now Open
Friday was the first day the public could walk into Los Angeles' new iconic skyscraper. The Wilshire Grand is noteworthy for more than just its height.
The New Apple Store in Chicago Looks a lot Like a Laptop
Looking for a new laptop? Go to the building that resembles a laptop.
In Memoriam: Branden Klayko, 'Broken Sidewalk' Blogger
The tributes to Branden Klayko, one of the hardest working and influential writers on the subjects of urbanism, have been steady and heartfelt.
Is This Really Penn Station?
Long Island Rail Road riders expressed amazement at the new concourse under Eighth Avenue from America's busiest train station. It opened June 15 as the first phase of the new Moynihan Station.

Throwing Some Cold Water on the 'Tiny Homes' Movement
Small square-footages might be in vogue, but would the occupants of tiny homes really pass up American-Dream spaciousness, given the chance?
Pagination
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.
City of Santa Clarita
Ascent Environmental
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service