Planning News

• Can Signage Change Perceptions About Disabilities? May 22, 2013
  With New York City's embrace, the dream of revamping the iconic blue-and-white handicapped symbol is becoming a reality. As NYC adopts "a more active representation of people with physical limitations," activists hope the change has a broader effect. […]
  Jonathan Nettler
• To Stretch Strained Municipal Budgets, Build Smart May 22, 2013
  Utilizing 17 case studies, a new report from Smart Growth America examines the costs and benefits of competing development strategies. Any way you slice it, smart growth strategies are more financially prudent than building sprawl. […]
  Jonathan Nettler
• Obama Could Tackle Climate Change on His Own; But Will He? May 22, 2013
  With a reluctant Congress unwilling to act, and the signs of a warming planet multiplying, the Editorial Board of The New York Times urges President Obama to utilize executive actions to address climate change. […]
  Jonathan Nettler
• Taking the Guesswork out of Designing for Walkability May 21, 2013
  Summary: The lack of adequate pedestrian behavior models means that designing for walkability has largely remained a matter of intuition. However, agent-based simulation can provide insight into the keys for creating pedestrian-friendly places. […]
  Jonathan Nettler
• Annual Search Begins for UK's Ugliest Building May 21, 2013
  Oliver Wainwright solicits contenders for this year's Carbuncle Cup, Building Design magazine's annual search for the UK's worst "crimes against architecture". […]
  Jonathan Nettler
• High Above Hollywood, Buying Into the Glamour Without the Grittiness of the Boulevard May 21, 2013
  With new luxury high-rises sprouting in a densifying Hollywood, and many more on the way, those hawking penthouses priced between $1-$45 million play up the unique amenities and play down the messy reality of a changing neighborhood. […]
  Jonathan Nettler
• Take Your Kids to the Park and Leave Them There...Seriously May 21, 2013
  Apologies for being a little late on this one, but apparently last Saturday was the fourth annual 'Take Our Children to the Park...and Leave Them There Day.' Sounds crazy right? Lenore Skenazy argues why it may be the smartest thing you do all week. […]
  Jonathan Nettler
• Environmental and Transportation Challenges Await New L.A. Mayor May 21, 2013
  Whoever is victorious in today's election to choose L.A.'s next mayor, the celebrating may be short lived. Pressing needs to strengthen the city's water supply, maintain transit momentum, and relieve toxic hotspots await the city's next leader. […]
  Jonathan Nettler
• Greenest Building in UK Approved May 21, 2013
  Norwich, England will soon be home to the "greenest building in the U.K.," reports Mark Wilding. […]
  Jonathan Nettler
• Planning Fatigue Plagues San Diego Outreach Efforts May 21, 2013
  After participating in at least 27 planning processes over the last 15 years, residents of City Heights can be forgiven for wanting to actually see something built. Plentiful funds for planning, but meager funds for building, are causing frustration. […]
  Jonathan Nettler