The list of the 12 most "memorable" and "outrageous" controversies in the field of architecture looks a lot like a list of controversies in the field of planning.
The editors of The Architect's Newspaper have gathered a list of the "best" architecture controversies of the year. By best, they mean "memorable" and "outrageous," and they ask for your responses and additions to the list.
The list includes a few items we missed this year, like an architect that faked professional accreditation, a defunct project with a portentous address and ownership with a seat in the White House, and a high-profile design for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
But we are also happy to see that many of the stories on the list made the news here at Planetizen, such as the GOP tax plan's threat to the Historic Tax Credit, the Trump Administration's plans for the infamous border wall, the removal of racist monuments from cities all over the country, and the battle between Zillow and the popular design blog, McMansion Hell, among others.
FULL STORY: The 12 best architecture controversies of 2017
The Failures of the U.S.-Mexico Border Wall
Trump's promised "impenetrable" wall has proven to be anything but.
Report: Trump Willing to Break the Rules to Build Border Wall
Transit agencies, affordable housing developers, and many others might be envious of the kind of leeway sources say President Trump is willing to grant in the name of project delivery.
Updated: Census Citizenship Question Officially Cancelled
The U.S. Department of Commerce was not successful in achieving a highly consequential change to the 2020 Census form, after the Supreme Court ruled it needed a better reason to make the change.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.
San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.
A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
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.
Ascent Environmental
Borough of Carlisle
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service