Abu Dhabi & Dubai: far from people-centred planning
I’ve spent some time in the Emirati cities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, in conjunction to work (re: international negotiations on renewable energy and combatting ozone depletion). They are quirky places:...
View ArticleCars versus people: depicting battles over urban public space
No one likes to sit in traffic, and city traffic is the worst. But equally, when we step out of the car (or hopefully off the bus or metro) in a city, our pedestrian activities remain dictated by cars....
View ArticleRe-using resources in cities: a Dutch case-study in Rotterdam
Dense urban environments have significant resource-saving potential and serve as good platforms for climate change mitigation. This study reviewed an initiative to improve use of energy and water in...
View ArticleAmsterdam & Utrecht: beautiful bicycle parking
Amsterdam is running short on bike parking, despite efforts to continuously expand it, creating a ‘problem’ that few city planners could dream of. This cycling mecca has too many rush hour commuters...
View ArticleØrje & Ottawa: pedestrians get silly when crossing the street
Inspired by a 1970s Monty Python sketch featuring the Ministry of Silly Walks, the village of Ørje (Norway) has come upon a rather unique method to encourage drivers to slow down: by suggesting...
View ArticleBudapest cool: history and hipsters join forces, resulting in one fantastic,...
In 2005 I moved to Budapest, to study in the Masters of Environmental Science, Policy and Management (MESPOM) programme at Central European University (CEU). More than 10 years on, MESPOM was one of...
View ArticleBudapest: Liberty Bridge becomes spontaneous public space due to construction
Budapest has long held a special place in my heart, more than just the home to my alma mater, Central European University. The city is incredibly beautiful and deeply creative when it comes to public...
View ArticleBarcelona: “Superblocks” to the rescue! Returning city streets to the people.
Barcelona, Spain (population: 1.7 million) is a charming coastal city with a medieval town centre, fantastic and famous architecture, great beaches and cliff-side cafés… A friend of mine (from...
View ArticleBicycling and free beer in Bologna – a winning combo?
The Italian City of Bologna has found a fun way to incentive more sustainable transportation in cities – offering free beer, ice cream or cinema tickets to citizens who opt out of their cars and into...
View ArticleDutch Cycling Culture: Oh How I Miss Thee…
Sometimes a photo is enough. Or in this case, a compilation of photos by @monsieurballard Advertisements
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