• Creating civic space from the invisible

    Entire light rail corridors could be reimagined as much better civic space with green tracks rather than the current heavy-freight style engineered rip-rap rocks and fences. More cities should embrace this model. Here is a sketch of this design approach applied to Southend Charlotte, North Carolina...Read more

  • Aging population needs walkable, bikeable cities

    Seniors have the most to gain from pedestrian and cycling improvements—yet they often feel threatened by changes that provide alternatives to driving. Here are ways to include seniors in active transportation planning.
    The first time someone accused me of being “ableist” I was shocked. I was advocating ways to make downtown more walkable, including pedestrianizing some streets. I view walkability as a means to provide access for all abilities. Yet here someone was telling me, “not everyone can walk, you know.” I’...Read more

  • Reclaiming waterfront as an economic growth strategy

    Design is a tool to strengthen community connections, extend the value of the waterfront inland, and to improve sustainability and resilience.
    One of the most rewarding aspects of New Urbanism is being able to help a community solve a problem or overcome a perceived obstacle to growth by looking at a situation with fresh eyes. Sometimes we find a solution that has been “hiding in plain sight,” to quote the old adage, and for waterfront...Read more

  • Citizens caring for public spaces

    The “Angels of Beauty” are a model for how citizens can protect and nurture the public realm.
    We have lived in Italy for almost three years as legal residents. But until now I had not heard of a type of organization that exists in some Italian cities. Its goes by the name of “Angeli del Bello.” What a marvelous and uniquely Italian term! It means, literally, Angels of Beauty. These groups...Read more