With an eye to the future, the planners of London's Olympics have built the Olympics venues in a depressed part of town. They're hoping their work will turn the area around.
"The 250-hectare, or 618-acre, Olympic Park around Stratford, northeast of the City, London's financial center, is transforming.
Settlement here predates Roman times. Later, it became an industrial zone, but starting in the 19th century, deprivation set in. More recently, the site had become contaminated as tar, gasoline, lead and chemicals like arsenic and vinyl chloride seeped into the ground. The landscape was blighted by factories, refrigerator mountains and scrap merchants, all owned by hundreds of landlords, preventing renewal.
One million cubic meters of contaminated soil have been cleaned, organizers say, a large parkland has been created around the Lea River, waterways dredged and three networks of high-speed cable laid."
Some critics argue that the plans won't live up to their ambitious goals.
FULL STORY: Will the Olympics Save East London?
Against the Olympic 'Regeneration Culture' in London
In a new book, author Iain Sinclair argues against the Olympic redevelopment of London's East End, and argues that the legacy goals its planners are pushing largely already exist.
Touring Olympic Redevelopment in London
Tourists can get a close-up look at the transformation of a formerly depressed part of East London into what will be the site of one of the world's largest spectacles when it hosts the 2012 Olympics.
Meet the New River Seine
The Paris Olympics will highlight the renaissance of the city’s famous river.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.
Columbia’s Revitalized ‘Loop’ Is a Hub for Local Entrepreneurs
A focus on small businesses is helping a commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri thrive.
Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests
The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.
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.
Ascent Environmental
Borough of Carlisle
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