This piece from the International Herald Tribune discusses how the desire to preserve historic train stations is holding them back from being more valuable to commuters by catering to their needs and desires.
Rather than taking wrecking balls to some of these outdated structures and building efficient, elegant terminals to cater to commuters and visitors, traditionalists want to stifle development by holding onto facades, layouts and features that do little to ease the transport pains experienced by hundreds of thousands daily.
Britain is not the only country guilty of falling behind in updating its rail hubs. In northern Europe, Helsinki, Copenhagen and Stockholm could all do with commissioning some the best local architectural talent and making more of their city center stations. Stockholm Central Station feels worn out and tired. Copenhagen Central Station could do with either upping the voltage of its lighting grid or letting in a bit more sun by day. In France, Paris's main stations are a letdown for the rolling stock that has become a symbol for savvy investment in infrastructure.
FULL STORY: Tyler Brûlé: Dreaming of stations that entice commuters
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.
Placekeeping: Setting a New Precedent for City Planners
How a preservation-based approach to redevelopment and urban design can prevent displacement and honor legacy communities.
San Francisco’s Muni Ridership Grew in 2024
The system saw its highest ridership since before the Covid-19 pandemic, but faces a severe budget shortage in the coming year.
Colorado Lawmakers Move to Protect BRT Funding
In the face of potential federal funding cuts, CDOT leaders reasserted their commitment to planned bus rapid transit projects.
Safe Streets Funding in Jeopardy
The Trump administration is specifically targeting bike infrastructure and other road safety projects in its funding cuts.
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