Shenzhen, China, home to seventeen million residents, stands as a global hub for electronics manufacturing. Adjacent to the bridge leading to Hong Kong lies a colossal rail terminal and depot, boasting a roof stretching three-fourths of a mile long and 160 to 200 feet wide, with a towering height of about 50 feet. This immense...
Suburban sprawl, often referred to as urban sprawl, represents the expansion of urbanized areas into rural landscapes. Characterized by low-density single-family homes and extensive road networks, this phenomenon encroaches upon wildlands and agricultural fields beyond city limits. Evolution of Suburban Development The rise of single-family housing and widespread car ownership during the 20th century fueled...
In recent years, the Earth has experienced unprecedented levels of heat, reminiscent of conditions predating the last Ice Age. The frequency of record-breaking temperatures continues to escalate, prompting concerns among climate experts and communities worldwide. As heat waves persist, particularly in regions like the Southwestern U.S., Northern Mexico, Europe, India, and China, the urgent need...
In the face of unprecedented challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, small businesses have demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability. For entrepreneurs like Tannis and Mara Bundi, owners of The Green Jar Shop, navigating through uncertainty has been both daunting and inspiring. Adapting to Changing Circumstances The Green Jar Shop, a “refillery” offering environmentally conscious...
A Fusion of Urban Living and Rural Charm In cities like Germany and Austria, Schrebergartens, or allotment gardens with garden sheds, offer residents a retreat from urban life—a place to tend to their gardens and enjoy a slice of countryside living. Inspired by this concept, Vienna-based architecture firm BFA x KLK incorporated elements of Schrebergartens...
The challenge of urban sprawl persists in many cities worldwide, posing environmental and socioeconomic issues such as habitat loss, increased pollution, and urban divestment. Addressing this challenge requires innovative approaches to housing that prioritize sustainability, affordability, and community well-being. One promising solution lies in the development of sustainable townhouse-style apartments designed with families in mind....
A recent study titled “Decoupling density from tallness in analysing the life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of cities” sheds light on the sustainability of urban development, challenging the prevailing notion that tall buildings equate to environmental efficiency. This research reaffirms key insights that have long been advocated on platforms like Treehugger, emphasizing the need for...
The city of Utrecht, Netherlands, has unveiled an ambitious initiative aimed at ensuring that every child has access to nearby playgrounds for daily play and physical activity. Under this plan, Utrecht aims to establish playgrounds within a radius of 650 feet (200 meters) of each residential home, fostering a culture of active and inclusive play...
Small Business Saturday, an initiative launched by American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 2010, celebrates and supports local businesses, emphasizing their integral role in vibrant communities. As cities worldwide embrace the concept of the 15-minute city—a vision where essential services are within a 15-minute walk or bike ride—small businesses emerge as...
Charles Marohn, a self-proclaimed “recovering engineer,” founded Strong Towns to advocate for fundamental changes in urban development practices, particularly criticizing the impact of professional engineering standards on city infrastructure. Despite facing scrutiny from his own profession, Marohn remains steadfast in his mission to reform urban planning and engineering norms. Rethinking Engineering Standards Marohn’s critique centers...