On April 16, the Baltimore City Planning Commission voted unanimously to accept the Cherry Hill Transformation Plan as the official community-managed plan for the neighborhood—the result of 6 months of hard work by the community. Now, with the urgent threat of COVID-19 and a disproportionate number of deaths in the community, the Cherry Hill Development Corporation is leading efforts to address immediate needs, begin implementation, and advocate for change.
Read More2019 Arthur Ross Award Acceptance Speech
by Paul Ostergaard, FAIA, AoU
Eric and I are honored to receive this award on behalf of everyone at Urban Design Associates. We thank the ICCA selection committee for this wonderful recognition.
Read MoreOn the morning of November 8th, the Town of Paradise and the unincorporated communities of Concow and Magalia were forever changed by the Camp Fire. It was the most destructive and deadliest wildfire in California history. The Town and County immediately affirmed their commitment to rebuild.
Read MoreWith the world’s first Digital Pattern Book, MyChattHouse.com, the Chattanooga Design Studio sought to create a web-based tool to help builders, developers, city officials, and neighbors to understand the important aspects of Chattanooga’s historic neighborhoods and architecture, in order to maintain that character and quality while the city undergoes growth and change.
Read MoreEast Nashville lies across the Cumberland River from downtown – a bohemian enclave for artists, musicians and – more lately – upwardly mobile professionals who are soaking up its hipster lifestyle.
Read MoreCities in North Africa, the Saudi Arabian peninsula, and the Levant face unique challenges from the tremendous heat and dusty winds of the surrounding desert and high humidity along coastal areas. These environmental forces along with social and cultural norms have resulted in unique cities created over the past several centuries. Built in the pre-industrial era, these old cities offer many lessons for designing dense urban districts that are environmentally responsive and sustainable. There are many fine examples of modern cities influenced by international planning techniques but adapted to the unique environmental challenges of the MENA region.
Read MoreLast century's general attempt to tidy up cities unintentionally removed many of the ways that we celebrate outdoor places, the fruits of our collective labor and the joy of living in neighborhoods. Thankfully, that is all starting to change. A rediscovered demand for sharing a meal together in both known and undervalued spaces has people clamoring to pop-up dining tables in cities around the world. It is proof positive of a shift from conventional thinking about urbanism to a more experience-based model as a core driver in building vibrant places and creating added value for cities. Farm-to-table has reached a new level.
Read MoreMemorable neighborhoods, towns, and cities are composed of specific types of places that share a unique ability to spark and continuously energize their communities. We have come to call this type of place Everyday Squares. As part of Urban Design Associates’ annual summer program, our Urban Researchers have immersed themselves in Pittsburgh to document, measure, and interview the curators of the Everyday Squares that are leading and sustaining the regeneration and vibrancy of the City’s many great neighborhoods.
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