Insight and inspiration in turbulent times.
Placemaking, a collaborative process by which we (residents, architects, activists, community leaders and planners alike) shape our public realm together, is fundamentally about inclusion and shared community ownership.
One of the most interesting autonomous projects associated with the Catalan Integral Cooperative (CIC) is Calafou, the self-proclaimed “post-capitalist colony” which settled in 2011 in the ruins of an abandoned industrial village in the Catalan county of l’Anoia, about 65km away from Barcelona.
The transition to 100% renewable energy raises profound questions for the future of our communities and infrastructure.
The concept of convivialism has attracted some attention in recent years.
In a more traditional world, community isn’t a hobby or cause; people need each other.
The film “Bikes vs Cars” tells us that bicycling for transportation can reduce our emissions. But more importantly, bicycling can change our mindset.
Talented designers and planners have shown us that it’s possible to retrofit suburbia.
It takes systematic work and engagement to build up a reputation that gives one more influence and support for one’s project. The non-hierarchical relations imply a lot of self-responsibility but also a feeling of empowerment.
The shopping mall is the epitome of America’s Suburban Experiment.
In the wake of Christchurch’s massive earthquake, a series of social and creative projects bring new life to the battered streets.
Big box retailers have been a major player in this economy and built-environment.
Clearly, individuals, households, communities, and nongovernmental organizations cannot merely stand by and hope that political leaders somehow find the wherewithal at the last moment (if it is not already too late) to halt our descent into climate chaos.
