Montreal architect Vedanta Balbahadur writes about his hometown's fall from its status as Canada's premier city through the lenses of baseball and the built environment.
The first Canadian city to host a World's Fair and Olympic Games and the first outside of the United States to acquire a major league baseball franchise, Montreal's thriving economy, modernist building boom, and future-oriented outlook attracted attention from around the world in the middle of the twentieth century. Since then, however, the city has seemed to rest on its laurels. Despite its undeniable charms, it is now in some ways seen as an example of how not to build a city, with crumbling infrastructure that has become the butt of jokes across Canada.
Balbahadur explores this evolution in detail and describes his speculative vision for restoring some of Montreal's lost glory: a new baseball stadium and public park designed for the return of a major league team.
Thanks to Sarah Wesseler
FULL STORY: Baseball, Architecture, and the City of the Future
Editorial: Toronto’s Snow Clearing Plan Isn’t Fair
The city’s plan for dealing with snow and ice on sidewalks this winter doesn't address past problems and won't meet the needs of residents, say critics.
Trudeau Reveals Huge Plan to Build New Canadian Infrastructure
In an effort to stimulate the Canadian economy and modernize Canada's infrastructure Prime Minister Justin Trudeau released a plan to spend $120 billion CAD on infrastructure over the next decade.
The Significance of Architecture in Music Videos
What can be learned from music videos about popular culture's relationship to architecture?
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.
City of Santa Clarita
Ascent Environmental
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