Author and blogger David Prowler takes a lighthearted and pictorial look at what the layout of a town's streets unveils about a city's history and aspirations.
The way a city's streets are laid out reveals much more than just a planner's vision. It tells a story of a town's history. In his article, author David Prowler examines how street grids reveal a city's fears, values, past and future. For example, regarding San Francisco, he notes:
"San Francisco's layout ignores hills and even water. The city exploded during the Gold Rush, and the exuberant disregard of obstacles is reflected in the streets."
For a more visual excursion to street grid history, see his article in UrbDeZine.
FULL STORY: Off the Grid
America's Streets: Two Ways to Urban Regeneration
Dr. William (Billy) Riggs guest blogs about his new research in Journal of Planning Education & Research. Dr. Riggs is Assistant Professor at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo focusing on quantitative community analysis and urban planning policies.
How Streets and Social Justice Intersect
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Interactive Map Tracks Growth of Manhattan Grid
This interactive map from The New York Times overlays historic maps with modern-day maps of the city, and shows how the city and its street grid has developed.
Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
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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.
Placekeeping: Setting a New Precedent for City Planners
How a preservation-based approach to redevelopment and urban design can prevent displacement and honor legacy communities.
San Diego Swaps Parking Lane for Kid-Friendly Mini Park
The block-long greenway will feature interactive play equipment and landscaping.
Tracking the Invisible: Methane Leaks From LA’s Neighborhood Oil Sites
Environmental advocates are using infrared technology to monitor and document methane leaks from neighborhood oil sites, filling regulatory gaps and pushing for stronger protections to safeguard community health and the climate.
Montana Bill Promotes Parking Reform
A bill before the Montana state senate would bar cities from requiring more than one parking spot per new housing unit.
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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Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
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Harvard GSD Executive Education
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NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
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