With its first casino currently under construction, Cincinnati is attempting to redefine the stereotype with a consciously urban design that turns the typical casino inside-out.
Despite an industry standard built around attracting visitors and keeping them trapped, the new Cincinnati casino seeks to avoid the "casino island" effect, says Stephen Samuels, a local urban planner who led early efforts to organize the community to plan for the casino's arrival.
Instead, the gaming destination will have multiple entrances, outward-facing restaurants, and a transparent facade in an effort to complement a diverse collection of surrounding neighborhoods and activities.
Thanks to Philip Denning
FULL STORY: Reimagining the Downtown Casino

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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.
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Economic & Planning Systems, Inc.
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