World

Global issues, U.N., etc.

Top 10 Cities from the World of Comic Books

Citing the important role they tend to play in storylines, the Architects' Journal lists off the top 10 cities from comic books.

July 11, 2009 - Architects' Journal

Has the Segway Found its Niche?

While it didn't transform personal mobility and lead to the redesign of urban areas, the Segway has found some unexpected forms of popularity.

July 10, 2009 - Slate.com

The Secret To Reactivating Retail: Fountains?

Fountains are highly effective at attracting shoppers, say retail operators REIT Macerich. Their annual survey of 7,000 shoppers says that shoppers connect fountains with a positive shopping experience.

July 10, 2009 - Retail Traffic Magazine

Lovelock: It's Too Late -- But Some Will Survive

In this review of James Lovelock's new book "The Vanishing Face of Gaia", Alexander Zaitchik explains the author's view that, while nothing can be done to stop climate change, there is reason to believe that some form of civilization will survive.

July 9, 2009 - AlterNet

Is Concrete the New Asphalt?

As oil prices rise, so does the cost of asphalt. Concrete, historically more expensive, is now becoming a viable cost competitor. Because of its lighter shade, its also been shown to contribute less to climate change.

July 9, 2009 - The Infrastructurist

Highway Teardowns Benefitting Traffic Flow and City Life

The Infrastructurist offers four case studies of cities that have removed highways. The result: less congestion.

July 8, 2009 - The Infrastructurist

Costa Rica Leads in the "Happy Planet Index"

The New Economics Foundation's "Happy Planet Index" shows that Costa Ricans use fewer resources and lead happier lives than the rest of the world.

July 7, 2009 - Guardian (UK)

Global Trends in Bicycles and Cycling

World Watch magazine's "Vital Signs" section highlights global bicycle production and documents trends in cycle transportation, noting effects of energy costs and commodity prices.

July 6, 2009 - World Watch

Designing a City on the Sea

Winners have been announced in an open competition to design what could become a permanent, sea-based, autonomous living facility.

July 6, 2009 - Bustler

Greening America's Roadways

Our nation's roads must be greener, says David Wenzel of HNTB. A green road is one that is designed, built and maintained in a manner that protects and enhances the environment, lessens the impact on its surroundings, and encourages mass transit.

July 6, 2009 - David Wenzel

Urbanism is Alive

Steve Mouzon explains how to think about cities and towns as living species, and how that perspective should guide the practice of planners and architects.

July 4, 2009 - Living Urbanism

Make Your Own Bike Lane

A new device called LightLane attaches to the back of your bike and projects a virtual bike lane behind you.

July 3, 2009 - H2OVisions

Comparing Subway Fares From Around the World

This post from Treehugger compares subway fares from around the world.

July 2, 2009 - Treehugger

Towns Transitioning To Peak Oil Future

The Transition Town movement has spread to 150 towns in 14 countries. David Bollier of On The Commons takes a look at how these towns are making the shift towards locally-produced food and reduction in energy use.

July 1, 2009 - On The Commons

Climate Change's Barometer Has No Climate Change Plan

The Florida Keys are likely the most vulnerable places to sea-level rise in America. Despite this danger, officials there have set no plans for counteracting or dealing with climate change.

July 1, 2009 - Miami Herald

Community Colleges Set Green Workforce Training Mission

Already a national leader in green building and looking to expand its leadership, the Los Angeles Community College District is launching several collaborative efforts to train a new, green workforce.

June 28, 2009 - The Planning Report

Good Parks Good for Urban Economies

Anne Schwartz compiles recent studies on the economic value of parks, describing how an investment in parks by the city will result in a healthier urban economy.

June 27, 2009 - Gotham Gazette

Starchitecture?

The Architect's Journal selects the most significant architecture and urban design from the Star Wars films.

June 23, 2009 - The Architect's Journal

Most Unaffordable Housing, Most Livable Cities?

The Economist magazine has published it's list of the most livable cities in the world. But quite a few of these cities have the most unaffordable housing, complains Owen McShane.

June 22, 2009 - New Geography

Closing the Loop on Energy Use

Architect Michael Palwyn is designing sustainable architecture that combines solar power and seawater into an ultra-efficient loop of resource conservation.

June 22, 2009 - GOOD Magazine

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.