World

Global issues, U.N., etc.

Least Affordable Housing Markets In Six Countries

This second annual survey by Demographia rates and compares the affordability of the one hundred major urban property markets in the six nations covered.

January 24, 2006 - Demographia

UN Releases Millennium Ecosystem Assessment

"The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment", commissioned by the UN and released January 19, spelled out a grim future for humanity and the earth -- but it also showed how this future can be avoided.

January 23, 2006 - The Los Angeles Times

Plan To Scrap Old Ships Stirs Pollution Worries

A proposal to haul old ships to Oregon for salvage and recycling presents a classic case of economic development versus environmental protection.

January 21, 2006 - The Christian Science Monitor

Lester Brown on 'Designing Sustainable Cities'

In "Plan B 2.0, Rescuing a Planet under Stress and a Civilization in Trouble", Lester Brown explores how city design fits into larger, global environmental issues.

January 19, 2006 - Earth Policy Institute

The Top Sources Of Pollution Inhalation

A new study reveals some surprising results about how people inhale the most air pollution on a daily basis.

January 18, 2006 - Scientific American

Historic District Designation Angers Some Homeowners

Where should the landmarks commission draw the line when limiting homeowners' ability to make changes to their historic homes?

January 18, 2006 - The New York Times

Shanghai 400, L.A. 46

The number of skyscrapers to be built in each city hints at the complexities of different development patterns.

January 17, 2006 - Los Angeles Downtown News

10th International Architecture Exhibition For The Venice Biennale

The guest organizer gives a preview of the exhibition, which will open in late summer.

January 16, 2006 - The New York Times

C'est Levee?

The Common Dreams website's quick visual reference guide to levee construction around the world -- and how woefully inadequate American levees were in New Orleans.

January 14, 2006 - CommonDreams

Has Las Vegas Become Too Hot For Even Big Developers?

A noted builder backs down in Las Vegas as construction costs wipe out margins. Is it smart business, or the start of something bigger?

January 13, 2006 - The Slatin Report

Congestion Charges Begin In Stockholm, Met With Disfavor

Europe's second congestion pricing program has been put into effect. Unlike London's (a plan promoted by mayor-to-be Ken Livingston), the Stockholm program was initiated by the city's Green Party, though with the support of Social Democrats.

January 11, 2006 - Reuters (on-line)

What Happens When A Housing Bubble Bursts

Want to see what follows a housing bubble? Look to China's largest city, Shanghai.

January 8, 2006 - The Los Angeles Times

Best Street Photography of 2005

PPS offers striking images of great places (and a few not-so-great) from around the world. [Includes photos.]

January 6, 2006 - Project For Public Spaces

Kunstler on the New Year: Bursting Bubbles, Oil Conflicts

Energy and economic crises are going to lead to global instability in the coming year, warns James Howard Kunstler.

January 5, 2006 - James Howard Kunstler's Blog

A New Greenhouse-gas Emissions Market Emerges

Market-based programs to buy and sell pollutants that contribute to global warming are gaining popularity.

January 5, 2006 - The Christian Science Monitor

The Future Of Transit: The Stackable Car?

MIT's Smart Cities team proposes a "stackable car" to be used as part of a public transportation program, much like those bicycle-sharing programs in Europe. [Includes photos.]

January 2, 2006 - The Guardian

A World Where Cars Lack Efficient Personal Mobility

The stubborn car culture rooted in American suburbanism does not have to be fought; eventually, through successful examples and experiments, the automobile will be viewed as a valued commodity in certain situations, rather than a ubiquitous solution.

January 1, 2006 - AlterNet

Oil Extraction From A Global Perspective

As the environmental community celebrates in victory in preventing oil drilling in ANWR for at least another year, Peter Maas offers an alternative perspective.

December 23, 2005 - The New York Times Magazine

Global Design and Development Trends

A group of architectural and development professionals and thinkers discuss their views about recent trends across the globe.

December 22, 2005 - ULI Urban Land Magazine

Regional Planning Blossoms In The UK

Many of the UK's heartland cities -- Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow -- are thriving again, partyly thanks to a regional focus by the government.

December 21, 2005 - The Guardian

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.