Humor

Much of the language used by globetrotting architects and academics to describe their projects and concepts is indecipherable to those not up to speed on biomorphology or french philosophy. BD offers a helpful guide for speaking architect.

December 26, 2013 - Building Design

On this winter holiday, it's important to remind each other of the overlooked victims of global warming: the world's snowmen and snowwomen. Read this classic, but no less relevant, story from the satirical newspaper The Onion.

December 25, 2013 - The Onion

Australia probably isn't the first place that comes to mind when thinking of sleigh rides, reindeer, and winter wonderlands. But according to Guinness World Records, no place can beat one couple's Canberra home for holiday revelry.

December 25, 2013 - Guinness World Records

During the holiday season, cities go to great lengths to turn their streets, homes and businesses into festive places. But underneath the streets, subways tend to look to same day in and day out. French artists have brought the holidays underground.

December 25, 2013 - The Atlantic Cities

Concerned that a proposed highway from the Alftanes peninsula to the Reykjavik suburbs will disturb Icelandic elf habitat, an elf lobbying group is joining forces with environmentalists to try to stop the project.

December 25, 2013 - PBS NewsHour

As we get ready to celebrate Christmas, let's remember all the "gifts" that our cities give us. Our cities deserve a Christmas Carol! Here is an Urbanist's "12 Days of Christmas."

December 24, 2013 - Brent Toderian

The Mariana Trench has beaten out Mt. Everest, the cone of Hawaii’s Mauna Loa volcano, and St. Louis to claim the title of the world's worst place to raise a child for the seventh consecutive year, reports the satirical newspaper The Onion.

December 13, 2013 - The Onion

Jeff Bezos' proposal to deliver packages by aerial drone has the potential to upset traditional models of logistics and distribution, but it's most powerful effect may be on the urban airspace. Are blue skies ahead for Bezos' vision?

December 12, 2013 - This Big City

They might call it the "Lunch with the Critics" award, but in my mind they're the "Archies" (is that taken?). Critics Alexandra Lange and Mark Lamster deliver their fourth annual awards for the best and worst in architecture and design of 2013.

December 8, 2013 - Observatory

Illustrative diagrams are one of the primary tools used by architects and planners to explain existing conditions and design concepts. An art project that produces frivolous diagrams reveals the heft that well crafted drawings bring.

December 6, 2013 - WebUrbanist

Ever feel like the bar-on-wheels revolution is passing you by? Fear not, your opportunity to become a part of the party bike industry is here.

November 29, 2013 - Pedal Crawler

At least one Hanukah song is easily adaptable by urbanists.

November 29, 2013 - Michael Lewyn

Now that pesky Thanksgiving Day is nearly over, we can merrily move on to the true focus of the holiday season: Christmas. And what better way to kick off the march to December 25th than to visit the world's largest gingerbread village.

November 28, 2013 - The New York Times

Predictions of strong winds and frigid temperatures may keep many people from attending this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, providing ample opportunity to explore Philip Bump's collection of creepy balloons from years past.

November 28, 2013 - The Atlantic Cities

There's no shortage of bold and bizarre ideas for how to make our future cities more livable, sustainable, and efficient. Whether many of these ideas are feasible is another story.

November 24, 2013 - Future Cities

Exploiting America's enduring fascination with fame and growing proclivity for cycling, a group on the social news and entertainment website Reddit has melded the two with one humorous twist - they've made the bikes invisible.

November 22, 2013 - My Modern Met

Rep. Michael G. Grimm has introduced what may be this legislative season's most unobjectionable, and adorable, bill: the Pets on Trains Act of 2013.

November 21, 2013 - The Washington Post

It's back to the future for global cities, now that we've realized what a mess the 20th century was.

November 20, 2013 - Future Cities

Thousands of people helped transform San Francisco into Gotham City on Friday on order to fulfill a young cancer patient's wish. Miles Scott experienced a day he'll never forget and those following from afar were treated to a heartwarming story.

November 16, 2013 - NPR

As Russia prepares to welcome to world to the 2014 Winter Olympics, subway riders in Moscow are being treated to a free trip. The only caveat: You'll need to complete 30 squats to earn your ticket.

November 15, 2013 - CBS News