How Public Space Can Build Community and Rescue Democracy
03.06.2018
It’s increasingly under attack but more important than ever.
It’s increasingly under attack but more important than ever.
democratic design
The Greenwich Village Apartments Created by Jane Jacobs Are Threatened With Demolition
11.07.2017
The story of how a Jacobs-led community group overcome official opposition to create an alternative to urban renewal.
The story of how a Jacobs-led community group overcome official opposition to create an alternative to urban renewal.
What the People (and Planners) of Houston Can Learn From Hurricane Katrina
09.07.2017
An an architect and planner reflects on collaboration, community and trust.
An an architect and planner reflects on collaboration, community and trust.
A Handy Flowchart to Make Your Way Through the Political Maze
02.26.2017
Confused about to how to engage your elected officials? Here’s an extremely useful guide.
Confused about to how to engage your elected officials? Here’s an extremely useful guide.
It’s Time for Leaders in Architecture and Design to Step Up and Join the Resistance
02.17.2017
Normalizing this administration – “collaborating” with them – is a huge mistake.
Normalizing this administration – “collaborating” with them – is a huge mistake.
How Design Saved My Sanity on Trump’s Inauguration
02.02.2017
Attending a Design as Protest Event in New Orleans proves to be the perfect tonic for a dark day.
Attending a Design as Protest Event in New Orleans proves to be the perfect tonic for a dark day.
Remaining Hopeful When Stormclouds Gather: A Primer on Post-Election Design Activism
01.11.2017
Some strategies on moving forward in an uneasy age.
Some strategies on moving forward in an uneasy age.
The Lessons of Indigenous Cultures Can Help Us Adapt to Climate Change
09.12.2016
Planners will have to begin redefine their methods of community engagement for the challenges ahead.
Planners will have to begin redefine their methods of community engagement for the challenges ahead.
Mid-Century Modernism on $10 a Month
07.07.2016
On a recent trip to Cuba, I made a point to visit some mid century modern homes that were not designed by architects, but by the people who live in them.
On a recent trip to Cuba, I made a point to visit some mid century modern homes that were not designed by architects, but by the people who live in them.
Why de Blasio’s Huge Rezoning is Unlikely to Create Enough Affordable Housing
05.23.2016
A longtime community board member weighs in on Mayor de Blasio’s ambitious plans to remake the city.
A longtime community board member weighs in on Mayor de Blasio’s ambitious plans to remake the city.
Andres Duany on Why We Need Both Jane Jacobs and Robert Moses
05.04.2016
Given the urgency of climate change, the planner insists that both bottom-up and top-down planning approaches need to be used.
Given the urgency of climate change, the planner insists that both bottom-up and top-down planning approaches need to be used.
Richard Florida on the Enduring Legacy of Jane Jacobs
05.02.2016
In celebration of the Jacobs centennial, the noted urbanist and author talks about the legend, their close relationship in her later years, and her lasting influence on his work.
In celebration of the Jacobs centennial, the noted urbanist and author talks about the legend, their close relationship in her later years, and her lasting influence on his work.
Can the Wired City Also Be the Equitable One?
03.23.2016
Making the city fair, when all is digitally optimized.
Making the city fair, when all is digitally optimized.
Will a Modernized Cuba Lose Its Soul?
03.21.2016
A Letter from Havana on the unique DIY-required design culture there.
A Letter from Havana on the unique DIY-required design culture there.
Margie Ruddick on Wild Gardening and Why Nature Always Wins
03.16.2016
The award winning designer talks about her new book, the role of landscape architecture in the era of climate change, and how she includes the public in her work.
The award winning designer talks about her new book, the role of landscape architecture in the era of climate change, and how she includes the public in her work.
The Principles of Ethical Redevelopment
03.10.2016
Artist Theaster Gates and the University of Chicago’s Place Lab look for equitable alternatives to gentrification.
Artist Theaster Gates and the University of Chicago’s Place Lab look for equitable alternatives to gentrification.
10 Excuses for Santiago Calatrava
03.02.2016
Yes, it’s ten years late and more than 2-billion dollars over budget. But, it is beautiful.
Yes, it’s ten years late and more than 2-billion dollars over budget. But, it is beautiful.
Cab Drivers: The Ultimate Architecture Critics
02.24.2016
Every day they pass thousands of houses, hospitals, churches, and schools, so it’s no wonder many of them have strong opinions about the kinds of buildings they like. They may be one of the built environment’s most authentic focus groups.
Every day they pass thousands of houses, hospitals, churches, and schools, so it’s no wonder many of them have strong opinions about the kinds of buildings they like. They may be one of the built environment’s most authentic focus groups.
Who Designs Public Space?
02.17.2016
What does an urban designer do on his day off, when he’s halfway around the world? If he’s in Rabat, Morocco—as Dennis Pieprz was two years ago—he does what he’s hardwired to do: walk the city. The experience is exhilarating and humbling.
What does an urban designer do on his day off, when he’s halfway around the world? If he’s in Rabat, Morocco—as Dennis Pieprz was two years ago—he does what he’s hardwired to do: walk the city. The experience is exhilarating and humbling.
Design Patient’s Bill of Rights: A What-If
02.10.2016
We have a Patient’s Bill of Rights. So, what if we had a Design Patient’s Bill of Rights and Responsibilities? Let’s imagine…
We have a Patient’s Bill of Rights. So, what if we had a Design Patient’s Bill of Rights and Responsibilities? Let’s imagine…
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