Central and South America
Central and South America
Rio's Slums to See Massive Redesign
Ahead of the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics, officials in Rio de Janeiro are taking on a massive upgrade project in the city's slums.
Women's Bike Ridership Reveals Road Safety Concern
Only 2% of bike riders in Lima are women. Jonna McKone looks at what hinders women from hopping on bikes and the further implications.
Bringing a Favela to Life With Vibrant Colors
Two artists have teamed with a favela in Rio de Janeiro to use bright colors to re-frame the slum as a more vibrant area.
New Earthquake Research Reveals Best, and Worst, Building Locations
A new study finds that surface topography, not solely an area's underlying geology, contributes significantly to earthquake intensity. Researchers hope that the new information can be easily factored into local planning and design processes.
Reusing Golf Courses and Abandoned Land in Venezuela
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is urging for golf courses to be expropriated for other uses, and calling on citizens to make use of abandoned land.
Looming Transoceanic Highway Worries Some in South America
Officials in Peru and Brazil are hoping for a 2011 opening to the Transoceanic Highway between the coasts of the two countries. But some locals worry about what the road will bring once it's completed.
Urban Gondola Set to Open in Rio
Rio de Janeiro is building a 3.4 km urban gondola in the Complexo do Alemao favelas. The system is on track to be operational by the end of the year.
Major Monorail Project Stalled in Brazil
A $776 million monorail system planned in the Brazilian city of Manaus to ease transportation issue when it hosts the 2014 World Cup has been suspended.
From Displacement to Permanent
In Haiti, displacement camps full of people left without homes after the devastating January earthquake are becoming more and more permanent. Deborah Gans argues that these sites should be more carefully planned to foster functioning places.
Irrigation Project Spurs Protests in Peru
A proposed irrigation project near the Incan citadel of Machu Picchu in Peru that would divert water away from small villages has sparked violent protests.
Re-Rio
With the next World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics on their way, Rio de Janeiro is in the midst of a vast citywide regeneration campaign.
Street Art Inspired by the Cityscape
Urban Omnibus talks with Swoon, a Brooklyn-based street artist whose work is intended to engage constructed environments.
A New Ethic for Urban Reinvention
In a unique collaboration, an American lawyer and a Venezuelan architect merge thinking on holistic design, planning and regulation
Ensuring Brazil's World Cup Investments Last Beyond 2014
The City Fix looks at a new report that focuses on how Brazil can create a long-term benefit from the billions its investing in the 2014 World Cup.
Street Interventions In Brazil
Activists in Brazil took advantage of their country's fascination with the World Cup to take to the empty streets and paint messages encouraging safer use of the roads.
Hydroelectric Dam Energizes and Displaces in Amazon
Plans to construct an $11 billion hydroelectric dam in the Amazon rainforest of Brazil has officials excited about the new energy it will create, and some locals preparing to relocate.
Hopeful Progress in Brazil's Slums
Redeveloping the slums of Rio de Janeiro has been on the city's agenda for decades. Despite the many challenges, some new efforts seem to be paying off.
Better Transportation Options to Relieve Inequality in Latin America
Safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable public transport options could be integral in addressing inequality in Latin America.
China Agrees to Finance New Argentinian Metro and Rail Construction
A $10 billion dollar spending spree will improve transit in Cordoba and Buenos Aires, but also between Argentina and neighboring Bolivia. "Funds come from the China Development Bank and will require a 15% match from the Argentinian government."
Investing in Brazil's Urban Mobility Ahead of the World Cup and Olympics
As Brazil prepares to host the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics, its cities are trying to improve their public transit systems.
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 Albany
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
