Urban Planning

Harris County Judge Lays Out Latest Plan for Astrodome Overhaul

The new plan would cost considerably less than the $217 million overhaul voters rejected in 2013.

A California City Develops a New Type of Intersection That Could Save Cyclists' Lives

The Dutch-style intersection could inspire others as they seek to find ways to help pedestrians, cars, and cyclists share the public spaces.

To Capitalize On Astrodome, Houston Should Consider Embracing "Ruin Porn"

Houston lacks a single iconic attraction. The Astrodome — warts and all — could be it.

Why Big Cities Have Cube-Shaped Buildings

As cities grow, their buildings get taller, which gives them the potential to become more energy efficient. But only up to a point.

Exit Interview: Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker

The urban planner-turned-mayor reflects on his 8 years in office and how he helped transform the city.

Why Cities Should Embrace "Psychogeography"

Neuroscientist Colin Ellard explains the intersection of psychology, architecture, and urban design

Chart of the Week: Cities Are More Focused on Mitigating Climate Change than Adapting to It

The biggest hurdles cities around the world face in their climate planning efforts is unsurprisingly simple: money.

Amid Climate Talks, One U.S. City Takes Especially Decisive Action

Experts say San Diego's efforts to fight climate change are unparalleled.

Why Transit Oriented Development Doesn’t Need Transit

And why that represents a major opportunity for urbanist advocates.

California Developers, Stymied by Regulation, See Promise South of the Border

San Diego developers are increasingly viewing Tijuana as the next frontier in development, banking that they'll face a less intense regulatory environment south of the border.

Director's Address - November 2015

A message from the director of the Kinder Institute for Urban Research for the month of November.

The Texas Medical Center has ambitious plans for a new Houston campus

Historically, the nonprofit Texas Medical Center has existed to coordinate infrastructure issues among its members. A proposed project shows just how ambitious the TMC has become.

Advice For A Mayor: Don’t Fear Risk

Urban planner Allison Joe says she wishes mayors weren’t quite so risk-averse.

Advice For A Mayor: Urban Design Matters

Vicki Estrada, a California-based urban designer visiting Houston this week, explains what she wishes more mayors understood about cities.

The Surprising Popularity of An Urban-Themed Coloring Book

What an artist hopes to tell people about cities through an unusual medium.