In the coming age of "superdensity", planners and architects are going to have to rethink the way they plan new developments, according to a recent study.
"More robust mechanisms are needed to manage the new breed of 'superdense' residential schemes across London and other big cities, according to a report by four architects."
"Recommendations for Living at Superdensity, written by HTA, Levitt Bernstein, Pollard Thomas Edwards and PRP, deals with the social problems associated with superdense development."
"The report says a category of superdense development ought to be created that is higher than 150 homes per hectare. This is the threshold above which applications used to be referred to the housing minister."
"While such schemes are becoming common, the authors conclude that planners lack the tools and experience to handle them. 'Guidelines are not equipped to deal with the issues that arise from such densities, and there is little evidence of a move to impose higher standards of management on developers as a prerequisite for approval.'"
FULL STORY: Population pressure: can Britain learn to live with Hong Kong-style housing?

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