Middle East
Le Corbusier's Baghdad Sports Complex Revealed
In the mid-1900s architect Le Corbusier designed a grand sports complex for Baghdad as part of the city's bid for the 1960 Olympics. That bid failed and the project was never built. Now, original drawings and designs are on display.
Dubai on a Path to 'Ecological Disaster'
With too much focus on "architectural bling" and a hyperactive development pattern, Dubai is in danger of becoming a modern planning disaster, according to architect Thom Mayne.
Even Dubai is Feeling the Pinch
Cityscape, Dubai's annual real estate showcase, paints a rosy picture of the booming city. But even Mideast moguls aren't immune from the global financial crisis.
A Plea for Pedestrians in Pakistan
In this editorial, Ibne Ahmad of Rawalpindi, Pakistan claims that cars are significantly impacting the quality of life there, and that pedestrians and public space need to be reclaimed for the sake of equality.
Testing Ideas in Dubai
Dubai is increasingly attracting architects and planners as a blank slate, and it's becoming a vibrant testing ground for ideas new and extreme.
Military Sprawl in Afghanistan
The military presence in Afghanistan is expanding at a rapid pace, creating a military sprawl.
Baghdad's Troubling Real Estate Resurgence
Property values are up in Iraq's capital, but realtors there point out that sectarian divisions are the main reason why certain areas have become desirable.
The Middle East's 'Urban Prison'
In this article from Progressive Planning, Tom Angotti looks at Gaza and the land use regulations that have imposed an "urban apartheid".
Instant Cities in the Persian Gulf
Rami Khouri of the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs notes the unprecedented phenomenon of the "instant" cities of the Persian Gulf which, for all their wealth, lack civil societies.
Ambitious Civic Project Planned by Terrorist's Brother
Osama bin Laden's brother has announced plans to build the world's longest suspension bridge, connecting Africa and Arabia, and building two state-of-the-art cities at each end -- a project that is expected to cost upwards of $200 billion.
Bored With Your View? Rotate Your Apartment
The world's first moving building, a 80-storey tower with revolving floors giving an shifting shape, will be built in Dubai, its architect says.
Istanbul Gentrifies a 1,000-Year-Old Roma Neighborhood
'Ottoman villas' are going up, and the world's largest Roma settlement is moving out - to suburban apartments.
Many Highlights, But Room for Improvement in Abu Dhabi
This article from The National takes a tour of Abu Dhabi with architect and planner Riyad Albuhlaiga, who points out the best parts of the city -- and the parts that must be improved to make Abu Dhabi a truly great city.
New Palestinian City Planned in West Bank
A developer has plans for a new Palestinian city in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, which he says would be the first new city in the West Bank in thousands of years. But he is still awaiting approval on a crucial road.
Turkey Hopes Planned Dam Generates More Than Electricity
Plans to build a massive dam in Turkey have many hopeful that its creation will revive the local economy.
Israel Weighs Smart Growth
The Movement for Israeli Urbanism makes the case that Israel's current planning policies are not sustainable.
Carpooling Goes From Crime to Decree in Dubai
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority used to slap motorists with heavy fines for ridesharing. Faced with exploding population growth and 8 million tourists a year, officials have changed their tune.
Inside the Plans for a Carbon-Neutral City in the Desert
This segment from NPR looks at plans for the carbon-neutral Masdar City in Abu Dhabi.
Mission Possible?
Despite naysayers, Masdar City is moving forward. The goal: to be the world's first modern-day carbon-free city.
Cities Built From Scratch
This slideshow from Slate looks at the elaborate plans for new cities in the United Arab Emirates, and compares them to other built-from-scratch cities in history.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
City of Moreno Valley
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland
