Hotel operator Travelodge is planning to build pre-fabricated hotels in Shenzhen that can be assembled in locales in need of a short term boost in rooms -- such as Olympic host cities.
"Visitors to the Olympics in 2012 will be staying in some hotels made in China.
Travelodge is planning to build several "modular" hotels in the capital in time for the Games. The 120-room structures, pre-built in metal containers in factories near Shenzhen, can be quickly dismantled and relocated for large events.
A company spokesman said yesterday that no specific sites had been identified yet. The prefab approach cuts building time by a quarter and costs by 10 per cent, allowing savings to be passed on in the form of cheaper room rates.
The first recyclable hotel is due to open in Uxbridge next month where rooms will cost as little as £19 a night. Another is expected near Heathrow by the end of the year. But Simon Storer, of the Construction Products Association, said: "Lowest cost is not necessarily best value as this doesn't take into account the CO2 emissions from the transport."
Unions also condemned the idea of exporting construction jobs abroad during a time of intense uncertainty in the British property industry."
FULL STORY: Pre-fab hotels for visitors to London Olympics

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap
A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience
Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan
As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.
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
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service