The way we live and the spaces we call home have been constantly evolving, yet one truth remains: housing is not just about structures; it's about communities, economies, and the very fabric of society. The latest episode of the Booked on Planning podcast presents an engaging conversation with author Diana Lind, who offers a fresh take on the housing narrative and presents innovative solutions for a better future, some of which are ideas from decades past that are falling back into favor. The discussion kicks off with an examination of housing trends and approaches. Diana Lind, through her bo ..read more

In our May podcast episode, we talk about sustainable urban development via the bicycle with Dan Piatkowski, author of "Bicycle City: Riding the Bike Boom to a Brighter Future." The episode provides a comprehensive look at the cycling revolution that's poised to transform mid-sized cities like Lincoln, Nebraska, and the growing influence of electric bikes (e-bikes) as vehicles for change. As an e-bike rider myself, I saw the potential the electrified mode of transformation has for creating greener, more livable urban environments. Our conversation moved beyond the surface to confront the real ..read more

In an era where the narrative of urban decay often overshadows tales of recovery, a recent podcast episode featuring Michelle Wild Anderson offers a refreshing counter-narrative. Anderson, author of "The Fight to Save the Town: Reimagining Discarded America," shares a compelling account of resilience and renewal in America's most overlooked towns. This episode is not just about acknowledging the struggles faced by these communities but about celebrating the local heroes who rise to the occasion with dedication and a clear vision for their hometowns' future. The episode delves deep into the ba ..read more

The March 12th episode of Booked on Planning featured author Michelle Moore, an advocate for sustainable energy solutions in rural America who recently published Rural Renaissance. Moore shared her wealth of knowledge on the subject, emphasizing the vital role that rural cooperatives and public power companies play in rejuvenating America's heartland. With a focus on energy efficiency, equitable access to clean energy, and the preservation of community values, the discussion offered a compelling blueprint for economic and environmental revival in small towns across the nation. Moore begins her ..read more

It is nearly impossible to make it out of a planning program without learning about William Hollingsworth Whyte and his influence on urban design. He studied the intricate weave of social interactions in public spaces which formed the core of a fascinating discussion with author Richard Rein in the latest Booked on Planning podcast episode. Rein, drawing from his book The American Urbanist: How William Whyte's Unconventional Wisdom Reshaped Public Life, shed light on Whyte’s profound impact on how we view and interact with our urban environments. From the outset, it's clear that Whyte was no o ..read more

I saw a post on social media recently that showed the massive battery system required to power a Tesla and listed out all the environment downsides that go into the extraction. The article estimated that it takes 7 years of driving the electric vehicle before it starts to pay off the environmental harms caused by creating the battery. It also said that the battery life is about 10 years, giving it 3 years of environmental gains, something fossil fuel will never have. The post wasn’t necessarily wrong, there are downsides to electric vehicles (EV), including the fact that our grid system is not ..read more

The world of design and architecture holds untapped potential for promoting sustainability, a topic we dove into with author Corey Squire, of "People, Planet, Design: A Practical Guide to Realizing Architecture's Potential," in our latest Booked on Planning episode. In the episode coming out in a few weeks, we discussed how design choices significantly impact our everyday lives and how these choices can be used to create more sustainable, equitable buildings. Corey highlighted the importance of considering factors such as indoor air quality and energy sources in buildings. In essence, design e ..read more

Our urban spaces are teeming with life, though we often overlook it. This life isn't merely human but encompasses an array of flora and fauna, insects and animals, all contributing to a vibrant and complex urban ecosystem. In one of my favorite podcast episodes this year, my co-host Jennifer and I talked with author Peter Alagona on his recent book "Accidental Ecosystems” on these often-overlooked ecosystems and understand their importance. Central to the episode is the exploration of urban parks. Originally crafted as pastoral settings, urban parks have metamorphosed into forest-like spaces ..read more

Volunteers participating in a heart bombing to raise awareness for historic buildings The foundations of historic preservation are rooted in volunteerism and community activism. The formal profession evolved centuries after the first attempt to save a home, that to the women with extra time to spare felt was a key symbol of our young nation. After those beginnings we moved into a period of organized activism on the part of high society members who had the time and money to pick and choose what was important to save in each community. These small circles of the most elite resulted in great pro ..read more

In my many years working in the field of historic preservation I have seen some communities commit to preserving as much of their built history as possible, others demolish nearly all of it, and a majority that falls somewhere in between. What I could never understand is how different cities decide when preservation is worth it. The most common argument for demolishing an old building and starting fresh is the costs to rehab the building are just not worth the investment. But I’ve seen some really amazing projects that save some real questionable buildings and turn them into really productive ..read more