Weekly Placemaking Round-Up | October 2 - 8, 2017 - Project for Public Spaces

Posted October 4, 2017 - 09:52

Here is the latest issue this new weekly roundup of news, ideas, opportunities, and more - a curated list of content for placemakers by placemakers - from the Project for Public Spaces.

This Week's Highlights:
October 2 - 8, 2017

Census data shows that Washington D.C. may soon become the American city with the highest share of bicycle commuters—which is due in part to the stiff competition amongst bikeshare programs. But while getting more people on bikes seems like a solid plan for reducing urban congestion, many riders and transportation planners are questioning whether the city’s existing infrastructure can support it.

Topics: Active Transportation
In an ongoing attempt to reclaim its historic center for residents, the city of Amsterdam plans to ban tourist-focused retail shops and attractions—including ticket shops, bike rental companies, and cheese shops—from the Centre district. As part of a series of steps by the city government to manage the impact of an increasing influx of tourists, this ban aims to help the area preserve its unique character while maintaining livability and attractiveness for locals.

Topics: Amsterdam, Great Public Spaces
St. Louis is pioneering new type of street; a calm one. With features like enhanced crosswalks and bumpouts, the Calm Streets Project is digging into road safety along St. Louis’ Louisiana Avenue. This is a significant step in promoting walking and biking culture in St. Louis, improving access to goods and services, and strengthening multi-modal transport networks throughout the city.

Topics: Streets as Places, Transportation

Urbanites are setting down roots. Increasing numbers of city-dwellers are interested in staying in their city as they age; with 7 out of 10 reporting that they want to stay put after the age of 80. While this speaks to the optimism of urban residents in their cities’ infrastructure, it also presents a challenge: Are cities equipped for an aging population? Housing in cities is largely lacking in senior-friendly design elements, and cities will need to rise to the challenge, ensuring that they remain accessible while catering to the needs of aging residents.

Topics: Aging in Place

More Placemaking Stories & Ideas

New Toolkit Connects City Planning and Environmental Justice (NextCity)
The Joy and Freedom of a City without Car Traffic (StreetsBlog)
Value Your Health: Head for the Inner City and Swerve the 'Burbs (The Guardian)
Public Space Improves Lives of Youth Living in Slums, says Newly Released Report (UN-Habitat)

Events and Opportunities

Conference: Placemaking Week 2017 in Amsterdam (October 10-14, 2017)
RFI: Aspen Mobility Lab (Deadline: October 13, 2017)
Conference: World Urban Parks European Congress 2017 (Wirral, UK, October 16-19, 2017)
Conference: ACT Canada Sustainable Mobility Summit 2017 (Region of Peel, CAN, October 29-November 1, 2017)
Conference: Placemaking LatinoAmérica (November 6-9, 2017)
Conference: UN-Habitat World Urban Forum, Cities 2030 (Kuala Lumpur, February 7-13)

Instagram of the Week

Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town Waterfront swing bridge, connecting two parts of the Victoria and Albert waterfront. Be sure to check out Fred Kent's Instagram shots at pps_placemaking.

Have something to share? Please send your placemaking stories, news, job openings, grants, awards, calls for proposals, and events to [email protected] today. We'll be sure to give you a tip of the hat.

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Weekly Placemaking Round-Up | October 2 - 8, 2017 - Project for Public Spaces