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 | 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 | Jun 14, 2012 | Uncategorized, Walkability and Non-Motorized Systems
The Non-Motorized plan featuring routes and destinations In order for our post-industrial cities to restore their past glories they must embrace their existing conditions. Rather than envying what other cities may have they must become Cities of Opportunity. The City...
by zdehondt | May 9, 2012 | Streets, Uncategorized
Or: How I Learned to Love the One Story Building One and two story buildings on streetfront- Cleveland, OH. One and two story buildings on streetfront- Cleveland, OH. What to do about our foundering commercial thoroughfares? As the new economy takes shape and we...
