Europe

America's Spanish High Speed Rail Envy

Spain has rapidly developed high speed rail system, leaving many U.S. politicians -- including President Obama -- wondering how the U.S. can catch up. This article and video from PBS looks at the Spanish model.

January 18, 2010 - PBS

Reopened Passenger Train Reconnects Balkans

A passenger train line across the Balkans had been closed for 18 years. As it reopens and reconnects the region to the rest of Europe, there are signs of improved relations in the war-torn region.

January 12, 2010 - The New York Times

Hamburg's Manifesto Against the 'Creative Class'

A new manifesto is being circulated in Hamburg, Germany, where city officials have used the concept of the "creative class" to rebrand the city and lure in creative people. The resulting gentrification of the city has many locals upset.

January 9, 2010 - Der Spiegel

French Carbon Tax Dead

France's highest court dealt an 'unexpected and embarrassing blow' to French President Nicolas Sarkozy by ruling his carbon tax, set to take effect on New Year's, unconstitutional on Dec. 30.

January 4, 2010 - The Guardian U.K.

Tourism Flourishes Below Berlin

A group of historians and urban enthusiasts have developed a successful tourist organization that explores the underground structures and spaces of Berlin.

January 2, 2010 - The New York Times

Russia's Population Growing for First Time Since 1995

The population of Russia is on the rise for the first time since 1995, according to Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

December 31, 2009 - BBC

Europe's 'Capital of Sleep' Extends Party Hours

After being accused of being party-unfriendly, Paris and other French cities have been officially allowed to keep their dance clubs open as late as 7 a.m.

December 31, 2009 - Salon

Can Beauty Be Regulated?

Roger Scruton compares American and European ways of regulating aesthetics in buildings.

December 24, 2009 - The American Enterprise Institute

Perpetual Energy From Magnets

Steorn, an Irish company that claimed six years ago to have invented an engine that puts out more energy than it uses, finally presents a model of the technology for the public to see.

December 17, 2009 - Boing Boing

All You Need is Louvre

A war-battered town in Frances will be the site of a new extension of the venerable Louvre museum, and locals hope the addition of the cultural site will revive the struggling city.

December 16, 2009 - The Washington Post

Counting Bikes in Copenhagen

Streetsfilm reports from Copenhagen during the UN climate summit, looking at the city's innovative bicycle infrastructure, including a prominent bicycle counter next to a lane to inspire civic pride.

December 14, 2009 - Streetsblog

High-Speed Rail Flourishing in Europe

Five new connections opened just last week, including the Salerno to Torino line in Italy and a new section between Bruxelles and Amsterdam.

December 12, 2009 - the transport politic

Scandinavian Cities Top European Green City Index

In a study released by Siemens AG and The Economist Intelligence Unit, Copenhagen tops the list of the greenest cities in Europe (out of a pool of 30 cities that were considered).

December 9, 2009 - Green Flow blog

Let It Snow (But Not in Russia)!

Citing street sweeping costs, Moscow's mayor has said the city may start seeding the clouds to reduce snowfall.

December 9, 2009 - Los Angeles Times

How to Un-Do Auto Dependence

After decades of auto-dependence, the French city of Strasbourg turned its back to the car and built a citywide tram system and street grid that reclaims roads from auto-dominance.

December 9, 2009 - Next American City

Bilbao Beyond the Guggenheim

Bilbao is known for the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum. But there's a living city behind that iconic architecture, and local officials are trying to prove it with a new public park.

December 7, 2009 - Inhabitat

Danish Government Pushes Electric Cars With Envious Perks

But will they be enough to entice Danes to buy them? It may hinge on the availability of charging points and battery switching stations promised by "Better Place" of Palo Alto, CA and the Danish utility, Dong Energy.

December 7, 2009 - The New York Times - Energy & Environment

The Teachings of Rome

Jay Walljasper reflects on the glorious urbanism of Rome, and what planners and architects in North America can learn from it.

December 7, 2009 - Jay Walljasper

HSR to Link London to Madrid

A high-speed rail line is planned for 2012 between London and Madrid. France and Spain will team up to build it.

December 3, 2009 - Times Online

Archeological Find Slows Rail Progress in Turkey

A planned tunnel under the Bosphorus to connect Asia and Europe by rail has ground to a halt because of the extensive archeological discoveries at the dig.

December 1, 2009 - Voice Of America

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.