Posts tagged Public Space
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Because Downtown: DC works to curb rampant attempts at urban innovation
The Because Downtown initiative would scale back on transportation and public space infrastructure and policies that key constituencies are against, such as bike lanes, bus stops, streateries, road pricing, or any disincentives to driving. Critics query whether “just making parking garage owners happy + coffee” is a sustainable model for economic development. Keep reading…
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National links: Cities are rethinking curbside management strategies
Cities are thinking about better ways to use their curbside space. Norway is grappling with the consequences of widespread adoption of electric vehicles. How consistent, incremental improvements to public space in Halifax made their waterfront flourish. Keep reading…
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National links: How to make public spaces where everyone is welcome
The challenges of urban beautification. Dangerous by Design report released. USDOT floats new emissions rules. Keep reading…
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18th Street in Adams Morgan was a pedestrian zone for one weekend in June. What happened?
On the last weekend in June, 18th Street NW was fully closed to vehicle traffic to create a full pedestrian and bike-only space between Kalorama and Columbia Roads. Between the end of June and now, neighborhood leaders and businesses have asked for the pedestrian zone to continue, but nothing has happened. Why? Keep reading…
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No streets are safe until they are safe for all
As we continue to advocate for public space and public transportation, we must remember to those who continue to be harassed, profiled, threatened, attacked, and murdered while doing things many of us take for granted. Keep reading…
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We need more public restrooms in DC. But how do we make them usable for all?
DC is inching towards increasing its number of public restrooms with the passage of a 2018 law that would add two new facilities and incentivize business owners to open their bathrooms to the public. However, many public restroom designs aren’t accessible to many of their potential users. Keep reading…
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The art at Tysons’ Metro stations has both beauty and function
Public art not only adds beauty to a place, it can also help people orient themselves and find their way around. Tysons is no exception. As the city works on its 2050 goal to transform from “edge city” to urban center, art is key to building culture there, and to creating an environment that invites people to stay awhile. Keep reading…
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National links: Roosting, schooling, lizarding, and other things we do in public spaces
Turns out humans have some interesting patterns of behavior in public spaces. QR codes cause a bottleneck in pay queues for commuters in China. Salt Lake City residents want free buses, a poll shows. Keep reading…
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At this abandoned school, can YIMBYs support fewer homes and more parkland?
The historic, long-abandoned Crummell School and the surrounding area in the Ivy City neighborhood in Northeast DC are planned for redevelopment. Out of the three proposals put forward, the city recently chose the proposal that builds the most new homes, including a significant number of affordable homes. Keep reading…
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University of Maryland students redesigned DC’s Banneker Overlook and Southwest Waterfront
Graduate students at the University of Maryland's School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation have reimagined DC's Southwest Waterfront and created a fly-by-wire video showcasing their design. Keep reading…