Tag: urbanism

Happy New Year: Celebrating Venetian biophilia

Hazel Borys
Hazel Borys Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
This reflective time of year is ideal for thinking back on the people, places, and experiences that brought solace in 2014, and offering thanks. I was particularly struck by the power of community in challenging moments, and how support from friends, family, and colleagues makes a real difference. And by the power of place... Continue Reading
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Selling Urbanism: Don’t be an Aristarchus

Scott Doyon
Scott Doyon Twitter Instagram Facebook
As placemakers, we know that the challenges of the built environment require more than just new ideas — no matter how clever, unique or seemingly innovative. That was the approach of the 20th century and — no spoiler alert required — it didn’t work out all that well. In retrospect, we know now that the ideas of... Continue Reading
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Urbanists Soak Up Buffalo: PlaceMakers empty their notebooks

PlaceMakers
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The 22nd annual gathering of the CNU wrapped up Saturday night, June 7, in Buffalo. We’re looking forward to the recordings at cnu.org over the next few weeks to fill the inevitable gaps, since the competing sessions and hallway conversations presented the usual embarrassment of riches. Rather than go for a tidy... Continue Reading
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Traditional Cities and Towns: Incubators of incompetent children

Scott Doyon
Scott Doyon Twitter Instagram Facebook
First off, before I’m assaulted by urban defenders in an all-out flame war, let me clarify that my tongue is planted firmly in cheek here. A little background: I’ve written before on the intersection between traditional / smart growth environments and child-rearing, first at the level of the neighborhood and... Continue Reading
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Next Urbanism Lab 01: The layers that built San Diego

Howard Blackson
Howard Blackson Twitter Instagram
My city’s downtown is built on decades of layers. Planning trends layered upon planning trends. Over its history, through a long list of award-winning vision plans, San Diego has earnestly followed what every other city has done. Not to discount the quality of the plans, mind you. After all, John Nolen did two. Continue Reading
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On the Street: The DNA of place and the ROI of movement

Hazel Borys
Hazel Borys Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
The corporate culture of our government has been a carte blanche to keep doing what we’ve been doing. This culture implies that what we’ve been doing works. In business, last year’s income statement is a major driver in this year’s action plan. If a product or service was profitable, then it’s nurtured and... Continue Reading
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Retail: When it bends the rules and breaks the law

Hazel Borys
Hazel Borys Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
Getting ready for a TEDx talk in a few weeks, I’ve once again been noticing how the places that I love the most usually break the law. The contemporary development codes and bylaws, that is, which are geared to the car, not to the pedestrian and cyclist. Then last week’s urban retail SmartCode tweetchat with Bob... Continue Reading
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Poggibonsi and other Tuscan Lessons

Hazel Borys
Hazel Borys Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
With all the angst over Italy this week, I’m in the mood to count some blessings. To elaborate on some assets. To look at the local marketplace. And to debunk a couple of frequent idealist notions about European urbanism often heard from North Americans. Last month, I was traveling in the Tuscan countryside, which... Continue Reading
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Goooooal! Sometimes you strategize, sometimes you ‘dump & chase’

Geoff Dyer
Geoff Dyer
Given the means, most of us who work with communities to design and implement form-based codes would opt for a full-blown process, one that involves lots of community outreach, education and hands-on idea-testing in a charrette. But every situation is unique and sometimes you need something a bit more immediate. Sometimes... Continue Reading
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