A century after Frederick Law Olmsted, landscape architects are resuming their role in giving shape to cities.
A new exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art examines the capacity of landscape architects to transform formerly industrial or decrepit urban spaces into public green space. In his review of MoMAs Groundswell: Constructing the Contemporary Landscape, Witold Rybczynski observes that the exhibit illustrates a renewed vitality in the discipline of landscape architecture. Taking the long view is what landscape architecture can contribute to urbanism in the parks, gardens, and other man-made landscapes that are designed to evolve over time. He reflects that that plans for the rebuilding of the World Trade Center site would have benefited from this perspective, lamenting the insistent emphasis on architecture rather than the long-term landscape.
Thanks to Deborah Myerson
FULL STORY: The Aesthetics of Urban Renewal
Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?
Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?
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.
Greening Oakland’s School Grounds
With help from community partners like the Trust for Public Land, Oakland Unified School District is turning barren, asphalt-covered schoolyards into vibrant, green spaces that support outdoor learning, play, and student well-being.
California Governor Suspends CEQA Reviews for Utilities in Fire Areas
Utility restoration efforts in areas affected by the January wildfires in Los Angeles will be exempt from environmental regulations to speed up the rebuilding of essential infrastructure.
Native American Communities Prepare to Lead on Environmental Stewardship
In the face of federal threats to public lands and conservation efforts, indigenous groups continue to model nature-centered conservation efforts.
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
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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