💡 Fresh stories: The Harsh Reality of Adult Design & 12 more
February 7, 2024 Edition
Proudly curated by Konveio
In this week’s newsletter, you’ll uncover new insights on how we can improve our mixed-use communities, how we can beat the heat in our cities by introducing nature-based climate solutions, and learn how one community is teaching children to be responsible pedestrians.
Don’t hesitate to reach out with recommendations, we’re always looking for your input!
Lauren Sibley
EngagingCities Editor
Featured Story
The Harsh Reality of Adult Design
A recent visit to a children's pop-up space offered insights into how cities appear from a child's perspective, revealing that common adult-centric designs can be intimidating for youngsters. The Kids Reverse Periscope provided an innovative tool to experience urban spaces through the eyes of a child. Observations revealed that accessible plants and pollinators like bumblebees and butterflies are of high interest to children. This underscores the importance of inclusive design in urban planning, taking into account the curiosity and educational needs of younger citizens.
— Shared by Päivi Raivio
Amplifying Progress
EngagingCities shares stories by our network of community builders that collaboratively plan for a brighter, cleaner, and more equitable tomorrow.
Featured stories from the last two weeks:
🔥 Hot Takes
🎤 Evolving Beyond Mixed-Use
Around the world, markets are evolving beyond "mixed-use" developments to offer unique cultural, social, and commercial experiences that make a place truly distinctive. These changes are part of a natural economic evolution that resonates with new generations, turning ordinary spaces into authentic experiences that blend residential, commercial, and social elements. Traditional paradigms in both residential and commercial real estate often focused on single-use spaces: office buildings were for work, malls were for shopping, and apartment buildings were for living. Now developers are integrating multi-functional spaces that serve a blend of cultural, social, and commercial purposes.
— Shared by Jerry L. Hoffman
🎤 Revolutionizing Mobility - How Urban Planners and Policymakers are Adapting to a Changing Industry.
— Shared by Kenan Rijleh
🎤 From Car Dominance to Pedestrian Prioritization - Colorado City Contemplates Limiting Drive-Thrus.
— Shared by David Dixon
🎤 Unlocking the Power of Parks - The Surprising Benefits of Intentional Green Spaces for Urban Wellness and Connectivity.
— Shared by Hannah Rickard
📝 Insights
💡 Beat the Heat
The rising incidence of extreme weather events like heat domes has intensified the need for innovative cooling solutions in communities. Nature-based approaches, such as drought-tolerant gardens, are gaining popularity for their ability to create cooler, sustainable environments while using minimal water. These initiatives point towards a growing emphasis on eco-friendly, adaptive measures to combat the heat and promote resilience against climate change.
— Shared by Anthony Iracki
💡 Revitalizing Communities - How Coordinated Efforts Can Rebuild Relationships and Transform Neighborhood Safety.
— Shared by Seth Kaplan
💡 Walkable Communities - Rethinking the Dominance of Cars in the Urban Landscape.
— Shared by Kevin Ervin Kelley
💡 Unlocking Sustainable Cities - How Building Energy Reduction Strategies Collaborate to Create a Greener Future for Urban Planning and Local Government.
— Shared by Ken Briggs
🥳 Success Stories
✅ Interactive Traffic Garden
Equipped with scaled-down infrastructure like streets, signs, and signals, the space aims to offer a safe environment for youngsters to understand pedestrian and cyclist responsibilities. The Department of Health & Human Services is planning to host events at the garden to further encourage safe walking and cycling habits among children. Overall, the initiative is designed to equip the next generation with vital road safety skills, thereby fostering a safer community for all.
— Shared by Jamie L. Gwynn
✅ Unlocking the Secrets of Detroit's Downtown - Lessons for Cities Facing Remote Work Challenges and Office Vacancies.
— Shared by Bruce Katz
✅ Barcelona's Superblocks - A Revolutionary Urban Design Transforming Streets to Prioritize People and Combat Climate Change.
— Shared by Bernat Navarro-Serer
✅ Vancouver's Boomng Rail Ridership - the key to successful public transportation in American cities.
— Shared by Robert Newhouser
🗓 Upcoming Events Mark your calendars
Webinar Series: 9/25 Unlocking New Horizons Improving Pedestrian Safety - Shared by Jonah Chiarenza
Online Courses: Foundations of the Fourth Industrial Revolution - Shared by Jonathan Reichental
💼 Featured Jobs Check them out
Communications Professional with City of Austin Developmental Service Department, posted 8/1/23 Austin, TX
Brand Strategist with City of Austin, posted 8/29/23 Austin, TX
Architectural / Urban Designer with Utile, Inc. posted 8/29/23 Greater Boston
Transportation Planner with Michael Baker International, posted 8/29/23 Lakewood, CO
Mitigation Planning Specialist with State of Colorado, posted 8/30/23 Centennial, CO
Business Development Intern with Essential Partners, posted 8/30/23 MA
Do you have interesting resources, events, etc. to share?
Send us your tips to hello@engagingcities.com
