World

Global issues, U.N., etc.

Pentagon Looks Toward Space For Solar Power On Earth

The Pentagon and an international consortium are investigating the feasibility of 'beaming back' solar energy from a network of space-based satellites and Pacific island-based antennae that could begin operating as early as 2012.

December 27, 2007 - AP via San Francisco Chronicle

Introducing The Ecopolitan

National Geographic launches a new green cities blog called The Ecopolitan, written by Jay Walljasper, Senior Fellow of the Project for Public Spaces, and Executive Editor of Ode magazine.

December 26, 2007 - National Geographic

The Formula For Traffic

A team of mathematicians have developed a model that demonstrates how traffic jams form.

December 24, 2007 - Physorg.com

Best of the Worst in Planning for 2007

Keeping track of the weird things that occur in the planning and government world – from rules prohibiting screaming on amusement park rides to “green” cremation techniques – isn't really necessary. But someone should do it anyway.

December 24, 2007 - Rick Bishop, AICP

Square Roots

As part of a special issue on cities, the Canadian magazine The Walrus examines the little-known histories of famous public squares around the world.

December 20, 2007 - The Walrus

What Does An Urban Planner Do?

This follow-up article from U.S. News and World Report gives a basic rundown of what an urban planner does on a typical day at work.

December 20, 2007 - U.S. News & World Report

What Is An Urban Planner?

This "executive summary" from U.S. News and World Report describes what it means to be an urban planner -- named one of the 31 best careers.

December 20, 2007 - U.S. News & World Report

Global Cities Go Green

Cities around the globe are making a variety of green efforts, offering models for cities looking to capitalize on th benefits of environmental planning.

December 19, 2007 - Environmental News Network

Reducing The Environmental Footprint Of Death

When people die, they can still create negative impacts on the environment. Green burials are becoming a popular way to address this environmental concern.

December 18, 2007 - NPR

Experts Weigh In On Urbanization

The Freakonomics blog at The New York Times recently put together a panel of experts and asked them to outline the implications of our increasingly urban world.

December 17, 2007 - The New York Times

The Myth Of Resource Sustainability

John Brätland, senior economist with the U.S. Department of the Interior, offers his observations on how economists have let the myth of resource exhaustion persist from the nineteenth century to the present, and why it is misguided.

December 17, 2007 - The Independent Institute

Do Starchitects' Egos Get in the Way of Good Design?

One critic claims that "starchitects" are more interested in flash than function. He recommends these architects work with mainstream developers to have a more positive impact on average people.

December 17, 2007 - The New York Times

Surging Subways

Subway construction and expansion is being seen in cities across the world.

December 14, 2007 - Business Week

Cemetery Architecture Needs Improvement

Some cemeteries are being planned and designed for uses beyond the funeral. But more should be done to improve the banal architecture of the cemetery, according to this article from The Guardian.

December 13, 2007 - The Guardian

Social Steps Toward Environmental Sustainability

Toronto's poet laureate argues that environmental sustainability cannot be achieved until people become better neighbors and create better communities.

December 13, 2007 - Spacing

Munich: A Marvel Of Smart Growth and Urban Planning

Urban planners and developers in the Western United States could learn a lot from Munich, Germany, argues one online commentator.

December 9, 2007 - UtahStories.com

Trendy Transit

Subways are proliferating across the globe as metro status symbols and attracting new forms of urban investment.

December 9, 2007 - Business Week

Chinese City To Public: Comments Welcomed

In response to the outcry over a proposed chemical factory, the City of Xiamen has published an environmental impact report and is seeking public input on the project -- something rarely seen in China.

December 8, 2007 - The Washington Post

Are Driverless Cars Finally Here?

No longer science fiction, autonomous vehicles have the potential to reshape the transportation landscape. But are drivers ready to let go of the wheel?

December 8, 2007 - The New York Times

Starchitects Designing More Than Just Buildings

With the pipeline of glitzy real estate projects slowing, star designers are branching out with new fashion items and other luxury goods.

November 29, 2007 - Conde Nast Portfolio

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.