Europe

When The Road To The Future Erases The Past

Column McCann laments the loss of Ireland's cultural and environmental heritage as a result of the construction of new motorways.

March 20, 2007 - The Los Angeles Times

EU Suggests Speed Limits On Autobahn

The European Union's environment commissioner has suggested that speed limits be placed on Germany's autobahn -- one of the last roadways in the world with sections unhindered by speed limits. The EU says limits would help reduce carbon emissions.

March 19, 2007 - International Herald Tribune

Peer-to-Peer Networking... For Traffic

Just like it's possible to share files using peer-to-peer networking, a German research group envisions enabling cars and bikes to share useful traffic and road condition information with other vehicles.

March 19, 2007 - Chris Steins

Mass Demonstration Opposes St. Petersburg Highrise

Thousands of demonstrators in St. Petersburg call for a halt to the proposed Gazprom headquarters, a high-rise tower that would be taller than New York's Empire State Building.

March 18, 2007 - INTBAU News

New High-Speed Train Debuts In France

The new Paris-Strasbourg TGV line is the continent's fastest high-speed rail link yet, and will connect France with Germany and Eastern Europe.

March 17, 2007 - Der Spiegel

Voters Say Bridge Is More Important Than World Heritage Site Title

Voters have approved construction of a bridge over the Elbe River in Dresden, Germany -- a construction project that puts the city in danger of losing its status as a United Nations World Heritage Site.

March 16, 2007 - Der Spiegel

Rediscovering The Arcades Of Paris

Though still struggling to survive as modern day retail hubs, the shopping arcades of Paris are attracting a resurgence of interest, especially from tourists.

March 12, 2007 - The New York Times

Google's Virtual City

A detailed 3D model of Berlin has been added to the program Google Earth, enabling visitors to "walk" through the virtual city and many of its historic sites and buildings. The city and Google expect further integration, with virtual stores and more.

March 12, 2007 - Der Spiegel

Big Plans For Europe's Largest Development

The city of Hamburg, Germany, is hoping to recreate its identity as a harbor city with an ambitious and expansive redevelopment plan. Many prominent architects have signed up to contribute to the project, which is set to complete in 2020.

March 5, 2007 - Der Spiegel

Protected Territory List Disappoints Environmentalists And Investors

As part of its entrance into the European Union, Bulgaria was required to submit a list of territories it wanted to have protected. The list has fallen short of environmentalists' hopes, and gone too far in the minds of landowners and investors.

February 25, 2007 - International Herald Tribune

Moving A City

A Swedish town is being forced to relocate as decades of mining have compromised the bedrock on which the town was built. The relocation of the city's entire housing stock, public buildings, town center, and rail line is projected to cost billions.

February 20, 2007 - The Washington Post

Romanian County Seeks Stake In Dracula's Castle

A county in Central Romania has expressed interest in purchasing the castle used by the 15th Century medieval ruler who inspired the tale of "Dracula" -- seeing the castle as an opportunity to increase tourism in the Eastern European country.

February 15, 2007 - Bloomberg via Business Day

Innovation Where The Sun Don't Shine

An Italian village that once spent almost three months of each year in the shadows of a nearby mountain has turned to technology to provide sunlight during its annual spell of darkness. A huge sun-tracking mirror now reflects light onto the village.

February 6, 2007 - International Herald Tribune

The Malling Of The Champs-Elysees

With some of the most expensive real estate in the world, chain stores are now dominating the famed Champs-Elysees. Government officials in Paris are developing plans to counter the prevalence of corporate outlets, but some fear it may be too late.

February 4, 2007 - The New York Times

As Plans For Europe-Africa Rail Link Develop, U.S. Lags

Plans for a long-imagined underwater high speed rail line connecting Europe and Africa emphasizes the comparative lack of rail development in the United States.

February 1, 2007 - International Herald Tribune

Rome's Subway Dig 'Slowed Down By The Past'

As Rome tries to provide transit options for its millions of residents and visitors, city planners and preservationists have struck a delicate balance between providing modern transportation and acknowledging the city's rich buried history.

January 31, 2007 - The Wall Street Journal

Dracula's Castle For Sale

The family in Bucharest, Romania that owns Bran Castle -- famous for its connection to the 15th century medieval ruler who inspired "Dracula" -- plans to sell the fortress to local authorities for $78 million.

January 18, 2007 - Associated Press

Germany's Robot Rail Taxi

A German engineer has developed small, individually-powered rail cars which he hopes to put into use on the country's old railroad tracks. The systems is a new fusion of trains and taxis, operating automatically for on-call use by small groups.

January 13, 2007 - Der Spiegel

Dublin Planner Has Big Plans For Irish Capital

City Planner Dick Gleeson has his sights set high for the city of Dublin, Ireland, proposing a remodeling of the city by 2016. His plans include everything from increased open space and bike paths to continued economic development to curb sprawl.

January 11, 2007 - Nate Berg

Auto Emissions In Europe Increasing Along With Sprawl

In Europe, vehicular emissions are increasing while emissions from industry and the population growth rate decline. More people throughout the world are driving, especially in those countries where the "newly rich" enjoy their new mobility.

January 10, 2007 - The New York Times

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.

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