Landscape Architecture

The Roof as Living Room

Washington, D.C. residents are getting creative with their green roofs, writes Sarah Meehan, from keeping bees on them to hosting league bocce games. Even those without roof access might get lucky and have a view of one that's artfully designed.

October 19, 2011 - The Miami Herald

New Planning Law Will Protect Istanbul's Historic Views And Lines Of Sight

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality has announced a plan aimed at protecting the city's views by preventing construction of tall buildings in lines of sight and preventing illegal building construction.

October 17, 2011 - Hurriet Daily News

UK Launches Green Infrastructure Partnership

On Tuesday, the UK announced the creation of a green infrastructure program, intended to press planners and deveopers to infuse spaces with greenery. Writes Peter Walker, the benefits are beyond aesthetic--they're economic as well.

October 12, 2011 - The Guardian

Steve Jobs Advocates Planning In Final Public Appearance

In his last public appearance, Steve Jobs assumes the role of a land use advocate seeking to double the number of trees, move parking underground, and provide a self sufficient energy source for Apple's new campus in Cupertino.

October 6, 2011 - The Atlantic

The Alienation of Apple's Alien HQ

Philip Langdon criticizes the 'corporate isolationism,' of Apple's new donut shaped headquarters in Cupertino, California.

September 29, 2011 - New Urban Network

New West Hollywood Library At The Fore Of L.A. Civic Architecture

West Hollywood's new library returns to the California Mid-Century tradition with floor to ceiling glass windows providing plenty of natural light, and a walkable link to Santa Monica boulevard a new park signals a new civic focus.

September 29, 2011 - Los Angeles Times

The Sophistication of African Town Planning

Prof. Suzanne Preston Blier of Harvard unearths the ancient plans of Yoruban towns, which were laid out as early as 350 BCE.

September 27, 2011 - ASLA's The Dirt blog

Will New York's Next High Line Be Underground?

Three urbanist entrepreneurs are trying to transform an old underground trolley terminal into green space.

September 20, 2011 - New York Magazine

Here Today, Gone Tomorrow

From the Walklet in SF to Transparent Churches in the Netherlands, Allison Arieff argues that "temporary space remains a sharp tool in the urban revitalization kit." Sheer creativity notwithstanding, what makes these spaces so successful?

September 16, 2011 - The Atlantic

Shaping the View of the Landscape

Lonely Planet has just released a book highlighting the "1,000 Ultimate Sites." ASLA looks inside, and marvels at the natural scenery and the ways humans have chosen to frame them.

September 16, 2011 - ASLA's The Dirt blog

The Art of Abandonment

Artists are using the vacant buildings of the Rust Belt to create their art, and to comment on possibilities and visions for the future.

September 12, 2011 - Rust Wire

Apple's New HQ Actually Works, Says Critic

John King makes it clear - the 4-story ring iCon (or doughnut, by some) would not work in urban San Francisco, but could be quite fitting for sprawling, suburban Silicon Valley.

September 11, 2011 - San Francisco Chronicle

Redesigning the National Mall

Got what it takes to revamp the Union Square, Washington Monument Grounds, and Constitution Gardens? The design competition is now open to anyone who has the vision of making this revered space in D.C. the "best park in the world."

September 9, 2011 - THE DIRT

Faking It: Imitations of Cities Around the Globe

For better or worse, cities mimic each other, making replicas of great landmarks down to unique light fixtures. The Infrastructurist selects top 5 cities that do the job well. Not surprisingly, Shanghai earns the title as the hallmark of knock-offs.

September 9, 2011 - The Infrastructurist

Mixed Emotions at 9/11 Memorial

James S. Russell walks the new memorial at the World Trade Center site, and finds it "a place of quiet dignity" that is saddled with an unnecessary $300 million museum and visitors center.

September 6, 2011 - Bloomberg

The Cardinal Rules for Climate Action Plans

Any prospect for the green initiatives to produce desired results requires more than just aggressive reduction targets, according to The Economist. It comes down to scope and suitability, the two factors that vary greatly from city to city.

September 4, 2011 - The Economist

Melbourne Ranked as Most Livable City

With high scores in five broad categories, Melbourne, Australia received the highest spot in livability rankings from The Economist's research unit.

September 2, 2011 - TheCityFix.com

Inside Philadelphia's New Water Management System

This infographic explains the new green techniques that will revise the way Philadelphia catches and processes stormwater.

August 31, 2011 - OnEarth Magazine

Organizers Pushing Philly High Line

Community organizers in Philadelphia are leading an effort to convert a disused elevated railway into a park.

August 30, 2011 - The Philadelphia Daily News

You Can Name Philadelphia’s Next Great Public Space

A new public space is coming to 30th Street Station in Philadelphia, and the city plans to crowdsource its name.

August 24, 2011 - University City District

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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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.