If you always thought you'd fit in better in Middle Earth than Anywhere, U.S.A., a group of architects and engineers would like to give you a chance to test your theory.
"A group of architects and structural engineers are running an Indiegogo campaign to lift Tolkein’s fantastical city of Minas Tirith out of Middle Earth and plop it right into middle England," according to an article by Jane Mountain. The $3 billion fundraising goal in 60 days is probably almost as far-fetched as the works of Tolkien, but, hey, you have to start somewhere.
Mountain also quotes this passage from the crowdfunding site to explain the thinking behind the idea, which would "challenge the common perception of community and architecture," and "in realizing Minas Tirith, we can create not only the most remarkable tourist attraction on the planet but also a wonderfully unique place to live and work."
If you can't get enough of this idea, Ethan Chiel provides additional coverage on Fusion.
FULL STORY: Architects want to build a life-size Lord of the Rings city in England
Friday Funny: Squirrelly Passenger Causes UK Train Cancellation
Planetizen’s Friday Funny stories are often satirical, but this nutty story from Reuters is 100 percent genuine.
Friday Funny: Gated Community Doubles Down
The Onion skewers suburbia.
Friday Funny: How Much Parking Does That Parking Spot Need?
The Onion takes parking requirements to their logical conclusion.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
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.
Understanding Road Diets
An explainer from Momentum highlights the advantages of reducing vehicle lanes in favor of more bike, transit, and pedestrian infrastructure.
New California Law Regulates Warehouse Pollution
A new law tightens building and emissions regulations for large distribution warehouses to mitigate air pollution and traffic in surrounding communities.
Phoenix Announces Opening Date for Light Rail Extension
The South Central extension will connect South Phoenix to downtown and other major hubs starting on June 7.
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.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
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