Landscape Architecture
Elevating the ‘Small Stuff’ in Urban Design
Chuck Wolfe recaps arguments in favor of increased attention to incidentals — from benches to bollards — in urban development practices.
California’s Live Oaks in Focus
The new exhibit explores the hidden network that allows heritage coast live oak trees to communicate with one another.
Mental Health Facility Uses Design to Improve Outcomes
Far from the drab and claustrophobic mental health facilities of cinematic fame, Ohana aims to serve patients in an aesthetically soothing, nature-driven environment.
Reimagining a Major Philly Street for People, Not Cars
The Ben Franklin Parkway was originally designed as a bucolic escape from the city. It could be that way again.
LA's Top Parks, Ranked
TimeOut just released its list of the top 26 parks in the L.A. area, which is home to some of the best green spaces around.
Transforming Landfills into Parks
Learn about eleven landfills that have been transformed into beautiful outdoor recreation spaces.
Storm Erases $500,000 Massachusetts Sand Dune
A protective dune built with funds from city residents lasted just three days before being washed away in a storm.
New Waterfront Park Opens at the Port of Los Angeles
The $77.3 million new park offers unprecedented public access to the water’s edge for the Wilmington community where 18% of the total land area is taken up by oil refineries — almost 3.5 times more space than is dedicated to green space.
Creating More Green Schoolyards in Los Angeles
Led by the Trust for Public Land, the “28×28” Initiative seeks to green 28 schools in Los Angeles by the 2028 Olympics.
The Importance of Botanical Gardens
Southern California is home to some of the best botanical gardens around. TimeOut just released its list of the top Japanese and botanical gardens, mansion and institution gardens, and urban and hidden gardens.
San Francisco's Presidio Earns Fifth 'Green Flag' Award
The Presidio has been honored with the Green Flag Award for the fifth year in a row. The award is the most universally recognized international standard of quality for parks and green spaces.
Los Angeles Seeks Public Input for Urban Forest Plans
The County and City of Los Angeles are working together on community engagement efforts for their Urban Forest Management Plans (UFMPs).
Transforming the Santa Monica Airport Into a Great Park
The City of Santa Monica took a key step forward in the process of closing the airport, approving an agreement with Sasaki Inc. to assess existing site conditions, gather public input, and propose options for turning the airport into a park.
Rochester Updating Urban Forest Master Plan
The City of Rochester (NY) is working on an update to its Urban Forest Master Plan. This updates includes a community outreach process and addresses key issues such as environmental justice, climate change, and educational opportunities.
Seattle to Host 2024 Urban Parks Conference
In June 2024, City Parks Alliance, in partnership with Seattle Parks and Recreation, will hold the Greater & Greener conference, which will include a mix of indoor sessions and outdoor experiences focusing on urban parks.
Creating a New Park Where It is Most Needed
Los Angeles County just celebrated the grand opening of its newest park. Located in the community of Walnut Park, Nogales Park offers a gathering space and recreational amenities long desired by residents.
All We Want for the Holidays is…
Here are a dozen timely gift ideas for creating better communities.
How Design Can Help Mitigate Extreme Heat
To prepare for hotter summers, designers and architects can build resilience into the urban environment.
Upcycling a Landfill into a Regional Park
Los Angeles County is working with a consultant team led by Studio-MLA to transform 142 acres of the Puente Hills Landfill into parkland, creating the first new regional park in the county in over 35 years.
Green Spaces Benefit Neighborhoods—When Residents can Reach Them
A study comparing green space and walkability scores found that, without effective access to local parks, residents of greener neighborhoods don’t reap the health benefits.
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 Moreno Valley
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
