San Jose is taking a close look at its housing plans. The city is reviewing its General Plan, which happens every four years. But there's a problem. The current plan might not be helping to build more homes. In fact, it could be making things worse. Before 2007, San Jose built about the same number of homes as Seattle. But then, things changed. A new plan called "En...
Cities are more than just concrete and steel. They have a vibe, a feel, and a quality that can make or break how people live and behave. But how do you measure that? A recent study used a mix of street-level photos and computer smarts to rate the quality of urban environments across the U. S. The focus was on five key aspects: beauty, relaxation, nature, walkability,...
The Ekhtiarieh neighborhood in Tehran is home to many older adults who are trying to stay active. A recent study looked into how these seniors view and use their neighborhood for physical activities. The research focused on four main questions: What are the usual physical activities? What influences these activities? What cultural norms play a role? And how does the ...
Parking rules in Dallas have been stuck in the past for over 50 years. That all changed when the Dallas City Council voted to update these outdated parking codes. This move is a big step forward for small businesses, housing, and neighborhoods. The old rules were a nightmare for small businesses. Take, for example, a hotel owner who wanted to build a small hotel, re...
On October 29, 2024, the city of Valencia, Spain, faced a massive flood. This event, known as the DANA floods, left a deep mark. The floods caused 223 deaths and forced 15, 000 people to leave their homes. The damage was not just about people. The environment and the economy also took a big hit. The financial loss was staggering, over 50 billion euros. The floods sho...
Urban trees are powerful allies in the fight against city heat. Their cooling effects are influenced by many factors, some of which are not directly related to climate. A recent study dug deep into this topic. It looked at 229 cities spread across four different climate zones. The goal was to figure out how well trees cool these cities and what makes them more or les...
College students today face a rising tide of loneliness. It might seem like a personal issue, but city design plays a big role. Think about the streets, the mix of buildings, and the services around campus. These elements shape how students feel and interact. Let's dive into how city planning can either boost or bust student well-being. The way streets are laid out ...
In Switzerland, a long-term study has shown that neighborhoods filled with well-planned trees have lower death rates. This isn't just about making cities look nice. Trees do a lot for people's health. They clean the air, provide shade, and make it more enjoyable to be outside. This is especially important as cities get hotter due to climate change. Governments are s...
The places where people live can have a big impact on their brain health. Recent research shows that the environment around you can change your chances of developing dementia. This study looked at lots of different research to figure out how things like air pollution and access to parks affect the brain. The study found that living near busy roads can make it about ...
In the heart of London, where new skyscrapers are constantly rising, a surprising discovery has been made. While preparing to build a new 32-story office tower, archaeologists found remnants of a Roman basilica that dates back nearly 2, 000 years. This basilica was part of the forum, the central hub of Roman London, where people gathered for shopping, socializing, an...