Urban Planning

In Defense of the Urban Freeway

There's a push to tear them down. But they're one of the biggest things driving the urban renaissance.

Taking Stock: Housing Trends in the Houston Area

A report analyzing housing trends in the Houston metropolitan area.

Q+A: Houston Architect Jim Furr On His Favorite Buildings

Gensler's longtime Houston chief discusses the city's downtown tunnels, his favorite projects and the future of urban design in the Bayou City.

Rice Village Overhauls Parking, Implements Kinder Institute Recommendations

Metered spaces and a free garage should help reduce the time-consuming hunt for parking in the retail and restaurant district.

The Best Books of 2016 for Urbanists

Have some time off this holiday season? Curl up with one of these engaging reads.

How Do You Map the Character of a City? A New Tool Offers Solutions

The historic character of a community is often obvious. But in some places the past is less obvious and its significance harder to protect

10 Last-Minute 2016 Holiday Gifts for Urbanists

Nothing shows you care like a city-themed knick-knack.

Latest Podcast: How to Build Stronger Suburbs

If you think you know the suburbs, think again.

In Houston, Constant Flooding Will be the New Normal, Expert Says

Why one expert calls Houston's recent growth "death by a thousand cuts."

Building Stronger Suburbs: Adaptability and Resilience Best Practices From Suburban Houston

A report on how suburbs can adapt to modern challenges and opportunities.

What Makes a Great City? Great Public Spaces. And These 6 Rules

A new book explains the six steps needed to create amazing spaces.

Harris County Votes to Move Forward With First Phase of Astrodome Renovation

Harris County commissioners voted Tuesday to go forward with plans to raise the floor of the Astrodome and install 1,400 indoor parking spaces beneath it.

What Downtown Plano’s Rebirth Can Teach Other Mid-Sized Cities

Things are going well for downtown Plano.

Suburban Sprawl and Poor Preparation Worsened Flood Damage in Louisiana

Craig E. Colten | September 6, 2016 If there is one lesson we have learned about floods, it is that records are made to be broken.

Weekly Roundup: How Parking Became One of Urban Planners' Biggest Enemies

More than 30 percent of the area in many downtown cores is taken up by parked vehicles. Today, many planners are hellbent on doing something about it.