Landscape+Urbanism

Category: theory

  • On Walking

    I’ve been thinking about walking more.  As a way to process the overload of information we deal with on a daily basis.  Or as a way to live with more immersion in nature.  Or to explore my new city.  Or, maybe just because the weather is nicer and it’s not raining all the time. 1.…

  • Bio-inspired Design

    The latest issue of Zygote Quarterly, an online journal with a focus covers Bio-inspired design, and offers another opportunity to explore this topic (and the back issues as well).  A really beautifully illustrated online magazine, ZG is worth delving into in depth, but also sitting back and and in this case, getting into a bit…

  • Ecology & Landscape Architecture

    A great post on the The Dirt from a couple of months back delves into a topic near and dear to my thoughts on landscape architecture and urbanism – particularly how do we blend science and design in meaningful ways.  The article “Teaching Ecological Restoration (Not Restoration Ecology) includes the new Temple University concentration in…

  • A Bit on Biomimicry

    Since reading Janine Benyus’ book Biomimicry back in 1997, I’ve been simultaneously fascinated and frustrated by the conceptual positioning and posturing of the proponents of biomimicry. Don’t get me wrong, i think the idea of biomimicry has much potential in design, particularly product invention, industrial design, and architecture. What i have a hard time wrapping…

  • City Simulation

    An interesting article in the Guardian, Cities and their psychology: how neuroscience affects urban planning delves into the connection between space and behavior, and more specifically, ways of using technological advances to study and understand (and experiment) with urban spaces. Who better to invoke with this discussion than William H. Whyte, the nerd’s nerd of…

  • KERB Journal – Call for Submissions

    One of my favorite journals is KERB, (especially one from a few years back) which is a student-run publication from RMIT.  Now it’s 21st year, the journal is looking for content for the latest issue.  From their call for submissions: The current topic is ‘Peripheral Processes: Adapted Modes of Practice’ and will address the current…

  • Essay in ‘Atlantis’ Magazine

    I am happy to report that a recent essay was published in ‘Atlantis’ Magazine, which is published by Polis and collects writings that make “…the link between students, academics and professionals besides the Polis activities. This magazine is our medium to keep you as member up to date about everything going on in the urbanism…

  • Science of Pedestrian Movements

     An interesting article from the Economist on ‘The Wisdom of Crowds‘ echoes much of the seminal research of William Whyte (City), Edward T. Hall (The Hidden Dimension), and others that have closely studied the behavior of pedestrians and other users of public spaces. The interplay of cultural habits that tells us to step right or…

  • Siftings 01.06.12

    Another round of Siftings from the past couple of days.  Starting off with a couple of Occupy-related posts, including a great article from Saskia Sassen and Hans Haacke from Artforum entitled ‘Imminent Domain‘.  The first sentence – “OCCUPYING IS NOT THE SAME as demonstrating…” points out a recent and annoying trend of calling any sort…

  • Introducing THINK.urban

    I am happy to announce the formation of a new organization, THINK.urban in Portland, Oregon.  Along with colleagues Katrina Johnston and Allison Duncan, our group plans to promote, as our tagline mentions: “Better Design Through Applied Research.”   We bring a range of experience in urban design research, landscape architecture, urban ecology, public space, and…