EngagingCities

We're built for walking. It's healthy and enjoyable as long as you have a safe, comfortable place to do it. It's the oldest and most reliable form of human travel. The world's greatest cities are built around walking. Where people have many options for traveling, but streets are designed for people first. I can't understand why it's so controversial in this country to make small, targeted concessions for driving to achieve big gains for walking.

Think Parklets – Small Interventions, Big Impacts What if a single parking space could become a vibrant social hub? Parklets convert on-street parking into mini public spaces, proving that small-scale interventions can have outsized impacts. Why Parklets? Parklets foster social interaction, support local businesses, and provide greenery in dense urban areas. They create informal meeting spots, encourage active transport, and promote placemaking. Creative Parklet Models Civic Parklets: Designed with seating, shade, and public art to enhance social connection. Eco-Parklets: Featuring rain gardens and pollinator-friendly plants to support urban biodiversity. Retail-Parklets: Allowing cafes and shops to extend their footprint, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. ? The Role of Planners Planning policy should facilitate temporary parklet trials, allowing communities and businesses to test their viability before permanent adoption. By integrating parklets into streetscape design guidelines, cities can create more dynamic, people-centric environments. #UrbanPlanning #Placemaking #WalkableCities #SustainableDevelopment #PublicSpaces #CityRevitalisation

You are invited to attend the Virtual Meet & Greet for the recently launched APA Community Engagement Interest Group ?? Join us to connect with fellow changemakers, share ideas, and help us shape the future of this new group ?? ?? Date: March 20, 2025 ? Time: 12-1pm PST ?? Location: Virtual (Link will be provided upon registration) ?? RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/e9eWiiCj This is a great opportunity to: ?? Meet others who are passionate about community engagement ?? Learn about the group's mission and goals ?? Share what topics and resources would be most valuable to you Let’s build a supportive network where we can learn from each other and amplify the incredible work happening in the field. We can't wait to meet you! And if you haven't already, join the interest group here: https://lnkd.in/eqVw8mre

?? Are We Designing Cities for Cars or for People? ??♂???? Reading Confessions of a Recovering Engineer by Charles Marohn reaffirmed something I’ve long believed—our streets and public spaces should prioritize people, not just vehicle efficiency. As an architect, I see firsthand how outdated traffic engineering standards have shaped our communities, often at the expense of walkability, safety, and long-term sustainability. In my latest article, I explore key lessons from the book and how architects can play a vital role in reversing these trends. From advocating for mixed-use, walkable spaces to designing resilient, people-first communities, we have a responsibility to push for smarter, more human-centric urban planning. At fc3architecture+design, we believe great design isn’t just about buildings—it’s about creating places where people can truly thrive. Let’s rethink our approach to city planning and build for the future, not just for traffic flow. What are your thoughts on how we design our streets and cities? Let’s discuss! ??

How Child-Friendly Urban Planning Can Transform Cities I recently came across an insightful document titled Urban Playground by Tim Gill , which explores how child-friendly urban planning and design can save our cities. Here are some key takeaways that resonated with me: 1?? Children as Indicators of Urban Health: Just as salmon indicate the health of a river, the presence of children in public spaces reflects the quality of urban environments. Cities that prioritize children’s needs—safe streets, green spaces, and accessible play areas—create better environments for everyone. 2?? The Shrinking "Right to Roam: Over the past few generations, children’s freedom to explore their neighborhoods has drastically decreased. Urban planning that prioritizes cars over people has contributed to this decline, limiting children’s independence and physical activity. 3?? The Role of Play in Urban Design: Play isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential for children’s development. Cities like Rotterdam and Barcelona are leading the way by integrating playful, accessible public spaces into their urban fabric, proving that child-friendly design benefits all residents. 4?? The Global Challenge: With 60% of the world’s children expected to live in cities by 2025, the need for child-friendly urban planning has never been more urgent. From reducing air pollution to creating walkable neighborhoods, the solutions are within reach—if we prioritize children in our planning processes. Let’s rethink our cities with children in mind. After all, a city that works for its youngest citizens is a city that works for everyone. ?????? #UrbanPlanning #ChildFriendlyCities #SustainableCities #UrbanDesign #PlayMatters