Monday’s Boston Marathon bombing was “an attack on public space,” writes architecture critic Christopher Hawthorne. But that doesn’t mean we should respond by closing off the sidewalks and streets the bombers targeted.
Unlike the September 11, 2001 attacks, which targeted architecture itself, the Marathon bombs went after the city’s streets, what Louis Kahn called “room[s] of agreement.” If the long-term effects of Monday’s attack include reversing the contemporary revival of public space, the community-building aspects of urban space celebrated by Kahn and others will suffer damage.
“It is at times like these that the idea of the open, urban and democratic street . . . is more vulnerable and more valuable than ever,” Hawthorne argues.
FULL STORY: Keeping the idea of city streets safe in Boston Marathon aftermath
Strengthening Responses, Rather than Prevention, Seen as the Key to Combating Terrorism
Having the resources and training to adequately respond to bombings and incidents of mass violence are more effective than trying to prevent every act of terrorism from happening, says public safety authority.
Building Secure Yet Welcoming Public Spaces
Strategies for securing public spaces from vehicle attacks and other acts of terrorism without sacrificing accessible, vibrant urban places.
Pedestrians and Cyclists: The New Norm For Terrorist Targets?
Eight people enjoying the Hudson River Greenway in lower Manhattan on Tuesday in the shadow of the World Trade Centered were intentionally mowed down and killed by a driver in a rented pickup truck, following an ISIS playbook that targets pedestrians
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.
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.
A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
Houston Mayor Promises Dedicated Austin Street Bike Lane After Public Backlash
Although the one-way bike lane won’t be protected by physical barriers, the proposal is an improvement over the mayor’s initial plan to only include sharrows on the Austin Street project.
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.
Borough of Carlisle
Caltrans
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
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