Here is this week’s selection of news and views for urbanists:
- It Takes a Village to Raise a City: Redevelopment in existing communities requires communication, co-operation and consultation to find common ground. ( Open File Calgary)
- How Cities Should Work: The director of “Urbanized” talks about the universal issues cities face and how Twitter is changing filmmaking. (Imprint – Salon)
- How Europe Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Skyscraper: Although, the growth pattern of tall buildings is a bit different, European cities aren’t short anymore! (Forbes)
- As America Ages, NIMBYism Could Increase: Surveys show older people are more likely to actively oppose new development (Atlantic Cities)
- Rereading: The Death and Life of Great American Cities by Jane Jacobs: Jane Jacobs’s book captures not just the rich density of urban life, but the craft of fiction. (The Guardian)
Good articles you’ve chosen, Yuri. The nimbyism one is alarming… especially given the abundance of elderly in Victoria. I’m going to pay more attention at community development meetings… given the observations made in the article.
Also you make Jane Jacobs book sound so appealing. I’ve not read that book (though have read 1 (maybe 2?) of others’ of hers). I know its reputation, though. Will add it to my reading list.
Thanks for the comment Ben. I’ve noticed that most public hearings are dominated by older people, who tend to be more resistant to change. This is true both here in Vancouver as well as in Phoenix. Part of the explanation is that they have the time to commit several hours on a weeknight that younger residents, especially those with children do not.
DLGAC is a great book, but I must admit that—although I’ve read each chapter several times—I’ve never read the book cover the cover. I use it both as an inspiration and to look up specific ideas and responses when writing. Her writing is indeed poetic at times.