DPZ finished three designs late last week detailing a level of urbanity that promises to make the sprawling 650 square mile City of Houston a more attractive place in the 21st century.
"When Duany and his team returned to Miami on Friday, they left behind plans for three projects that their client, developer Frank Liu, hopes will transform the style of urban development in Houston.
Duany and other New Urbanist planners design compact, walkable places where homes are close to shops and offices and where public gathering spaces such as parks and plazas are just as important as houses.
This approach is a novelty in Houston, where most developments still reflect a suburban, automobile-focused model.
Duany, in several appearances before business and community groups, said Houston should find a way to devote at least a small fraction of its 650 square miles to projects like Liu's.
By doing so, he said, the city will be in a stronger position to compete for talented young professionals who want to live, work and play in truly urban environments.
'The world is changing radically in the 21st century, and Houston is not well positioned to be one of the winners,' Duany told the Greater Houston Partnership's quality of life advisory committee. 'This city cannot put together two walkable blocks.'
FULL STORY: Planner takes new look at urban living
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Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
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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.
Updating LA’s Tree Rules Could Bring More Shade to Underserved Neighborhoods
A new USC study finds that relaxing Los Angeles’ outdated tree planting guidelines could significantly expand urban tree canopy and reduce shade disparities in lower-income neighborhoods, though infrastructure investments are also needed.
California's Canal Solar Projects Aim to Conserve Resources and Expand Clean Energy
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HHS Staff Cuts Gut Energy Assistance Program
The full staff of a federal program that distributes heating and cooling assistance for low-income families was laid off, jeopardizing the program’s operations.
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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.
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Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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