Russia
Are Environmentalists Digging Their Own Fracking Hole in Opposing Natural Gas Exports?
In a pair of articles, The Hill's energy and environment blogger Timothy Cara looks at political efforts to increase natural gas exports to Europe on account of Russia's annexation of Crimea, part of Ukraine, and environmental groups opposed to it.
Natural Gas Dependence Hobbles Western Response to Crimean Crisis
With the Crimean referendum just days away, President Obama hopes that economic sanctions will cause Russia to back-off its threatened annexation from Ukraine. However, Europe may be unlikely to go along due to it's dependence on Russian natural gas.
Friday Funny: Flex Your Way to a Free Subway Ride
As Russia prepares to welcome to world to the 2014 Winter Olympics, subway riders in Moscow are being treated to a free trip. The only caveat: You'll need to complete 30 squats to earn your ticket.
Copenhagenizing Moscow
A new report by Danish firm Gehl Architects presents recommendations for transforming car-cluttered Moscow. A compact city center along with a strong desire for change are potential building blocks for a human-friendly and sustainable city.
Gorky Park's Transformation from Gritty to Glam
Moscow's Gorky Park, once the rundown backdrop of a murder novel, has experienced a remarkable turnaround. Today, the mayor imagines its recovery as part of his legacy while Muscovites simply see it as the perfect place to play, dine, and relax.
Moscow Gives Biking a Go
While the launch of NYC's bike share program was all the rage in the U.S. last week, Moscow began a program of its own with 220 red bikes at 30 stations. Sally McGrane frames it more as a 'triumph for political activism' than a commuting revolution.
Russia Takes its Own Route to Auto Efficiency
Vehicles driven by Russia's abundant supplies of natural gas put hybrids to shame with their mileage per gallon. Gazprom is betting that it can expand the market for such vehicles beyond the country's lower-income and rural drivers.
Next Olympic Host Becomes Pawn for Putin's Ambitions
It will cost more than $50 billion to transform the "once sleepy" Black Sea resort of Sochi into the "sleek host" of the 2014 Winter Olympics, writes David M. Herszenhorn. The most expensive games ever is a pet project of President Vladimir V. Putin.
For Russian Retail, It's 1982 All Over Again
Russia's growing middle class is leading a boom in American-style enclosed shopping malls, which are still rather new to the country. Some rival the size and popularity of Minnesota's infamous Mall of America.
Friday Fright: Driving in Russia
You know what they say about not being able to turn away from an accident? Well what about 13 minutes of accidents? We can't help but laugh at some of the insane (and frightening) driving on display in this compilation of Russian accident videos.
Three-Day Traffic Jam Strands Russian Motorists
Over the weekend, a 100-mile long traffic jam caused by snow, questionable decisions, and underinvestment on Soviet-era infrastructure, left 10,000 vehicles stranded on the M10 highway between Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Europe's Tallest Tower Tops Out in Moscow
Mere months after it was completed, London's Shard has passed the title of Europe's tallest building to Moscow's Mercury City tower, a "beacon of pink mirrored glass," writes Oliver Wainwright.
Moscow Cyclists Doing it for Themselves
Jennifer Hattam profiles a DIY project of artist Anton Polsky, who set out to create a better bike map for the city of Moscow.
Is the Government Abandoning Moscow?
Nate Berg reports on a plan by federal and city government officials in Moscow to decamp from the central city for offices in newly annexed outer regions, and to redevelop the former office buildings as housing and hotels.
Environmental Devastation From Russia's Oil Drilling Considered Routine
It's on the scale of a Deepwater Horizon spill every 2 months - except that it's considered the cost of doing business. Aging pipes, lax oversight and inclement weather all combine to make an estimated 5 million tons of annual spillage.
Creating A Silicon Valley in Russia
Officials in Russia are hoping to create their own version of Silicon Valley by luring tech companies to the Skolkovo innovation hub.
A Russia-U.S. Tunnel?
Russian officials are pushing a plan to build a tunnel connecting Russian territory to the United States.
To Counter Congestion and Crowding, Moscow Expands
Officials in Moscow are pushing a plan to double the footprint of the city in order to ease congestion and overcrowding. Some worry sprawling development patters will follow.
Olympic Preparations Spur Private Building Boom in Russian Resort City
Construction is underway to prepare the Russian resort city of Sochi for its hosting of the 2014 Winter Olympics. But it's not just venues for the games that are being built.
Soviet Monorail to the Future
The blog of Pavel Popelskii highlights illustrations from a time when Russia was looking towards a bright, space-age future, with nuclear-powered dirigibles and "super mega jet air cushion trains".
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
