Our Thoughts on Harmony: A New Way of Looking at Our World

In his recent book, Harmony: A New Way of Looking at Our World, HRH The Prince of Wales presents an eloquent and impassioned call for a Sustainability Revolution. As president of the Foundation for the Built Environment, the Prince emphasizes the importance of a holistic vision for designing and planning sustainable, livable cities that foster … Read more

Elderburbia Explores the Wisdom of Planning for all Generations

The principles of True Urbanism are a key piece of planning for livable communities. While these characteristics are ideal for all ages, they are essential for the health and well-being of aging populations. On his blog, Phil’s Adventures in Elderburbia, Phil Stafford discusses the way that policy, planning, and design can impact aging generations. As … Read more

Elderburbia Explores the Wisdom of Planning for all Generations

The principles of livable communities and True Urbanism include an emphasis on mixed use, walkability, accessibility, and community open space. They are benefits and quality-of-life conveniences for all ages but they are essential to the health and well-being of elderly populations. In his blog "Phil's Adventures in Elderburbia," Phil Stafford explores the challenges and solutions … Read more

Bipartisan Support for High-Speed Rail Mostly on Track

Despite the (likely underestimated) price tag, concerns over budget shortfalls, and the emphasis on public transit, high-speed rail is receiving bipartisan support in Congress and at the state level. At a time when gas prices are set to reach $5 per gallon, you’d hope that common sense and the desire for energy independence would make … Read more

Tahrir Square and the birth of Democracy?

Demonstrations on Tahrir Square Did the world just witness the birth of democracy in Tahrir Square? The demonstrations inspired the world. They were a dramatic and moving outpouring of the people’s desire for an end to Mubarak’s oppressive regime, and the corruption, infringement of people’s rights, and brutality associated with the 40-year enforcement of the … Read more

Mobile Farmers Markets to Enrich Low-Income Neighborhoods

The average American meal travels roughly 1,500 miles from farm to table. That may be changing for many urban areas where local food initiatives and community garden programs are gaining support at even the municipal level. However, thousands of mostly low-income communities across the country remain “food deserts,” or neighborhoods and communities where there is … Read more

“The European Square” Conference Report

Abstract On September 18 – 20, 2002 the first Conference on “The European Square” was held at Schloss Mirabell in Salzburg, Austria with the participation of mayors, councilors, planning directors, professors of architecture, planning and social sciences from twenty-two countries. Issues discussed included: the square as a representation of the city’s unique identity; the square … Read more

Genius of the European Square

One of the greatest inventions of the European city, indeed one could not conceive of most European cities without it, is the central town square or market place. This was a uniquely European invention, intimately connected to the development of democratic and representational self-government. Whether called agora, forum, piazza, plaza, Platz, platea, piata, námesti, rynek, … Read more