In sun-drenched Arizona, researchers are working on developing new types of pavement that can counter the warming effect of urban heat islands.
"Engineers and scientists are looking into a new generation of paving materials and technologies to reduce the impact of the urban heat island. This includes new mixtures and surface treatments that can reduce surface temperatures.
One practical option available right now is the use of pervious - or porous - pavements. Pervious pavements can be designed and constructed using either portland cement or asphalt concrete materials. Such a surface was constructed earlier this year in the parking lot outside ASU's Nelson Fine Arts Center in Tempe.
Pervious pavements contain less sand and greater porosity, which allows air and water to pass through its surface. This design provides a more-efficient platform to incorporate shade-bearing trees into parking and pedestrian pavements while minimizing the amount of land needed to construct parking lots."
FULL STORY: Alternative pavements ease urban-heat effect
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‘Complete Streets’ Webpage Deleted in Federal Purge
Basic resources and information on building bike lanes and sidewalks, formerly housed on the government’s Complete Streets website, are now gone.
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San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
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Electric Vehicles for All? Study Finds Disparities in Access and Incentives
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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.
City of Albany
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research