by zdehondt | Nov 27, 2012 | Global Urban Study, Placemaking, Streets, Uncategorized, Urban Insights, Walkability and Non-Motorized Systems
The study of urban spaces has a long established history. Urban cultural critic, Louis Mumford studied spaces as they related to the function of urban life. Renowned urban researcher William Whyte studied the way the design of spaces affected human behavior....
by zdehondt | Nov 12, 2012 | Placemaking, retail, Streets, Uncategorized
Must we shop? Our capitalistic society is based on consumption. When the economy gets tough we are given tax breaks and told to “go out and spend” to revitalize the economy. Shouldn’t we be saving? During the “boom years” entertainment retail was seen as the...
by zdehondt | Nov 5, 2012 | Civic Leadership, Global Urban Study, Placemaking, Streets, Uncategorized, Urban Insights, Walkability and Non-Motorized Systems
Question: Why did the pedestrian cross the street? Answer: To enjoy a positive, walkable built environment Many may think that the answer should have been “to get to the other side”. In truth, the more commonly known answer, “to get to the other side” falls a bit...
by zdehondt | Oct 29, 2012 | Global Urban Study, Large-scale Planning, Placemaking, Streets, Uncategorized, Urban Research
Globalization and Its Effect on Urban Design- Part 2 An auto-dominated economic and social strategy has had profound effects on our built environment. This post examines the relationship between the city and the car. We will examine the historical influence that...
by zdehondt | Oct 8, 2012 | Civic Leadership, Placemaking, Uncategorized, Urban Insights
Alternative Approaches to the Working City This past week I had an opportunity to visit one of the most pleasant small towns in North America, Mackinac Island, where I participated in the annual conference for the Michigan Municipal League. Even though I have traveled...
by zdehondt | Sep 3, 2012 | Global Urban Study, Placemaking, Uncategorized, Urban Research
Tokyo, a hot-bed of digital tech This is the first in a series of “+ Urbanism” posts, looking at the relationship between our cities, societal trends, and the creation of “Place”. Future posts will look at Events and Policy as well as other topical issues...