As several commenters noted on my recent post about the apparent demise of plans to build a new central public library, that building has recently been declared a historic landmark by the city and filed an application for listing on the federal register. The Historic Preservation Review Board staff report and the accompanying National Register […]
My July Planetizen Post
This month I survey the career of greek planner Constantinos Doxiadis, and ask: “Where Are the Star Planners?
The Uses of SMS
During my travels through South Africa, I was consistently surprised by the extent of coverage of my Vodocom cell phone. From the tip of the Cape of Good Hope to remote mountain passes over two hours’ drive from Cape Town, my Nokia cell phone always reported a strong signal. Perhaps I should not be surprised […]
New Central Library Plans ‘Shelved’
According to the Examiner, the DC Public Library has launched $2 million in renovations to Washington’s central MLK Library, including such much-needed improvements as revamped bathrooms and elevators, new lighting, and new computers. Meanwhile, the Fenty administration tells the paper plans for a new downtown library have been shelved — for now. Elsewhere progress marches […]
South Africa Trip Photos
So far, my trip to South Africa is going great. I won’t have the opportunity to write much here until after I return in July, but I thought I would share a few highlight photos. Our studio class is examining housing and economic issues in a small town about two hours from Cape Town called […]
Molo Cape Town!
Tomorrow I’ll be boarding a flight to Cape Town, South Africa, where I’ll be spending the next month studying abroad. Our group will be completing a studio report on a small, 200-year old town outside of the city. While Cape Town is renowned as a fascinating and beautiful place, I think I’d like any place […]
Planner, Scholar Inprisoned in Iran
This from a friend: FREE KIAN TAJBAKHSH On May 11th 2007, Dr. Kian Tajbakhsh, 45, an urban planning expert and senior research fellow at the New School in New York, was arrested at his home in Tehran by the Iranian security services. He has since been detained in the notorious Evin prison and has not […]