Weekly Links: Atlanta Planning Commissioner Tim Keane is taking a real hard look at your building design proposal and it better not be bad. Also, should we try a cap-and-trade system for affordable housing? No. And, a hyper loop prototype is finally unveiled.
The Old Trolley Problem Only Has One Solution: Better Urban Design
Old vs. Young. Criminal vs. Dog. Pedestrian vs. Passenger. The thorny issue of who should be saved when autonomous vehicles encounter danger only has one solution: better urban design.
Not Only is the EPA’s Wasteful Spending Unpopular, Its Entire Mission is Unpopular
This week, another poll shows President Trump’s environmental policies are widely unpopular, though people don’t seem too concerned about drastically cutting the National Weather Service’s budget. Also, Sweden introduces the first road capable of charging electric vehicles while they drive. And a study by AAA shows hit-and-runs are increasing as more people are walking and cycling, though the report mentions nothing about creating less car-friendly and more people-friendly cities as a solution.
Savannah Offers Yet Another Example of Why Good Urban Design is Important
An abundance of asphalt and concrete increases air temperatures locally, which can exacerbate the effects of heat waves and generally cause unpleasant conditions. This is known as the urban heat island effect and it can be true for both sprawled suburbs and dense cities. Savannah’s beautiful green spaces offer a prime example of how the benefits of dense development can be achieved while mitigating or eliminating the urban heat island effect.