urbanism

  • Walkable Cities: Ending the Automobile Reign

    Walkable Cities: Ending the Automobile Reign

    In the US, the car is an unkind king to its citizens. Cars mobilize, but also blast out pollutants and promote a sedentary and lonelier lifestyle. Conversely, walkable cities—where reaching local amenities on foot is both feasible and pleasant—bring myriad health and social benefits. Suburban sprawl is not conducive to…

  • The Redistributive Power of City Government

    The Redistributive Power of City Government

    At their best, cities are places where people of all income levels take the same train and play with their kids in the same park, bridging the gap and fostering a sense of community. In reality, the “tale of two cities” often seen in the differences between glittering downtowns and…

  • Questioning Smart Urbanism: Is Data-Driven Governance a Panacea?

    Questioning Smart Urbanism: Is Data-Driven Governance a Panacea?

    Smart urbanism based on real-time data analysis is not a panacea for all city management problems. The numerous benefits come with potential risks in city failure.

  • DIY Urban Design: community improvement or an act of crime?

    DIY Urban Design: community improvement or an act of crime?

    Do-It-Yourself Urban Design occurs when people make unauthorized changes to public space to address local needs. Sociologist Gordon Douglas discusses the benefits—and potential unintended costs—that follow when self-appointed urban planners take direct action to improve their communities.

  • The Metropolitan Revolution: A Conversation with Bruce Katz

    The Metropolitan Revolution: A Conversation with Bruce Katz

    Bruce Katz of the Brookings Institution shares his views on cities, metros, and Detroit.