The hottest Urbanism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

Why Japanese cities are such nice places to live

Noahpinion • 14353 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Urbanism Housing Society
  1. Japanese cities provide affordable living spaces, like tiny apartments, due to lower demand and a culture of building plentiful housing.
  2. Despite small living spaces, Japanese cities excel in dense, mixed-use urban planning, creating the sense of luxury and freedom for residents.
  3. YIMBY policies in American cities aim to allow construction of compact living spaces like those in Japan, but not to force people into them against their will.

Is The Rent Killing Sex?

The Discourse Lounge • 550 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Sexuality Urbanism Youth Social media Relationships
  1. High housing costs and living arrangements impact young people's sexual activity, but it may not be the sole reason for the decline in sex among the youth.
  2. Social media and digital content consumption are influencing the decline in sexual activity among young people, shifting priorities from physical activities like partying to phone engagement.
  3. The decrease in early marriages and relationships, along with the availability of dating apps providing many options for sex, are other significant factors contributing to the decrease in sexual activity among young people.

5 New Books on Cities, Climate, and More

The New Urban Order • 39 implied HN points • 18 Apr 24
📚 Literature Cities Climate Inequality Urbanism
  1. Cities play a crucial role in human happiness, dignity, and equality through sustainable urban design.
  2. The 15-Minute City concept promotes a lifestyle where daily necessities are accessible by walking or biking within a short time frame.
  3. Addressing climate change and inequality requires transforming transportation systems to be inclusive of all people, not just drivers.
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Should You Believe the Hype About Miami?

The New Urban Order • 259 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Tourism Urbanism Community Gentrification
  1. Miami reflects modern American obsessions with beauty, pleasure, money, technology, and escapism.
  2. Despite the hype, Miami is facing a net population loss, especially in its expensive areas like Miami Beach.
  3. The concept of a city is evolving to include virtual elements, connecting people based on shared experiences and work rather than physical location.

The Case For and Against California Forever

The New Urban Order • 139 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Urbanism Housing Tech Environment Politics
  1. California Forever aims to address California's housing crisis by offering a new city with up to 400,000 residents and 160,000 dwelling units.
  2. Critics argue that California Forever's development threatens natural resources, increases wildfire risk, and diverts attention and resources from existing infrastructure improvements.
  3. The project prompts debate on the balance between housing expansion and environmental impact, as well as the effectiveness of starting a new city versus revitalizing existing communities.

The Mosaic of Urban Memory

The New Urban Order • 159 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Architecture History Urbanism Art Society
  1. St. Louis has a deep history reflected in its urban architecture, but faces challenges due to population decline and urban renewal.
  2. The exhibit 'Urban Archeology: Lost Buildings of St. Louis' showcases salvaged architectural elements to create a 'mosaic of urban memory' that tells a story of past communities and structures.
  3. The exhibit emphasizes a different approach to historical preservation, focusing on individual artifacts to understand the broader narrative of St. Louis's urban fabric and the importance of valuing and defending historical elements.

New York City in 2040

offscript • 54 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Urbanism Cities Environment Travel
  1. The author imagines a car-free future for New York City in 2040, with more space for walking, biking, and relaxation.
  2. The author reflects on the peaceful atmosphere of European cities and envisions a similar vibe in a car-free New York City.
  3. The author encourages readers to consider the possibility of a vibrant and lively New York City without the pollution and noise of cars.

Towards a Quieter City

The New Urban Order • 119 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Urbanism Public Health Environmental Policy
  1. Complaining about noise pollution in the city is often met with the suggestion to move, but cities are increasingly recognizing the health risks associated with noise and taking action.
  2. Noise pollution can have serious health impacts, including hearing loss, high blood pressure, heart disease, and increased stress in adults, as well as sleep loss and cognitive impairment in children.
  3. Efforts to address noise pollution vary, with some cities implementing tech-driven solutions like 'noise radar,' but challenges arise in enforcement, appropriate consequences for noise makers, and balancing noise regulations with other policing priorities.

Think the city is a museum? Wait until you hear about the suburbs

Urben Field Notes • 43 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Urbanism Architecture Housing
  1. The housing crisis is not just in cities, but also in suburbs where banal cityscapes are treated as architectural gems.
  2. Historic preservation policies in expensive cities like New York often benefit elite areas while ignoring the suburbs and banal neighborhoods.
  3. Efforts to address housing shortages in major cities like New York require redeveloping existing structures and involving suburbs in housing solutions.

2023 Was the Year Cities Sued — And Won

The New Urban Order • 59 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Urbanism Policies Litigation Environment
  1. Cities are increasingly using litigation to address problems that policies can't solve.
  2. City legal departments are evolving from being slow and conservative to actively participating in affirmative litigation.
  3. Cities are winning lawsuits against companies like Kia, Hyundai, Big Oil, and 3M for issues like car theft, climate change, and pollution.

On the shitfication of cities

The Leftovers • 219 implied HN points • 05 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Urbanism Capitalism Gentrification Resistance
  1. The city is constantly evolving and being impacted by the dynamics of capitalism.
  2. Urban capital accumulation leads to the homogenization of city spaces, diminishing social opportunities and diversity.
  3. A solution to combat the negative impacts of capitalism on cities is through collective efforts to re-socialize spaces and address urban alienation.

5 Fresh Cities I'm Watching

The New Urban Order • 59 implied HN points • 14 Sep 23
🏝 Travel Cities Urbanism Architecture Culture Design
  1. The author is following five fresh cities for their urban development and innovative approaches.
  2. These cities include a North American city repurposing vacant office buildings, an Eastern European city with a dynamic mayor focusing on city design, an Asian megacity with unique urban planning narratives, a city challenging London to become the U.K.'s cultural hub, and an African city undergoing transformation with pedestrianization and tech sector growth.
  3. The author's work revolves around exploring cities with forward-thinking mayors and unique urban development models.

Reality is a Privilege

The New Urban Order • 99 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Technology Environment Urbanism Society
  1. Many people are spending increasing amounts of time in virtual reality, which may become a compulsion and potential tool for survival in a degraded environment.
  2. As physical reality becomes less viable, the shift towards online life can lead to decreased social interaction, impacting mental health and social dynamics in cities.
  3. Good urban planning that prioritizes accessible physical spaces is essential to maintaining humanity and preventing a digital divide where individuals are forced to live more of their lives online.

Why Cities?

The New Urban Order • 79 implied HN points • 31 May 23
🎭️ Culture Urbanism City life Architecture Community History
  1. The narrative around cities and urban living is evolving, with a renewed focus on improving quality of life and addressing why people choose to live in cities today.
  2. Major cities are facing challenges as online cultural offerings and retail experiences compete with the unique aspects of city living, emphasizing the need for cities to enhance their distinct urban forms and community connections.
  3. Investing in public transit, affordable housing, historic architecture, and community spaces are vital for cities to attract and retain residents, especially essential workers, and maintain a sense of place and connection in a rapidly changing world.

Under Construction: Cornerstone

Cornerstone • 59 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Urbanism Economics
  1. Cornerstone is a blog about urbanism, focusing on the built environment and people's interactions with it, primarily through an economic lens.
  2. Efficient land use in urban areas can lead to significant improvements for everyone.
  3. Bamboo scaffolding in Hong Kong is an interesting example of urban construction techniques.

Highland Park Captured My Heart

Cornerstone • 39 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Urbanism Architecture Community Nature History
  1. Highland Park in Pittsburgh exemplifies a beautiful blend of closely spaced homes, walkability, and a large park.
  2. The neighborhood showcases the potential of human-scale urban planning with diverse housing types and economic integration.
  3. Highland Park's organic beauty and timeless charm highlight the possibility of creating similar communities if granted permission and freedom in development.

Freewheeling Futures

Reboot • 15 implied HN points • 07 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Urbanism AI Governance Emerging technologies
  1. Autonomous vehicles should be deployed responsibly, with full participation of the public.
  2. Car-centric urbanism has negative impacts and it's crucial to prioritize public transportation and mixed-use urbanism.
  3. To ensure optimal benefit to society, emerging technologies like AVs should be governed accountably with input from residents and careful planning.

Gia Biagi on the Past, Present, and Future of Transportation

Exasperated Infrastructures • 4 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Transportation Urbanism Infrastructure Policy Collaboration
  1. Gia Biagi emphasizes the importance of understanding the impact and responsibility of a transportation department on the city's infrastructure.
  2. Chicago's uniqueness lies in its historical urban planning foundations, its continuous lakefront paths, and its negotiation of its river system, alongside its persistent efforts to address issues of segregation and systemic racism.
  3. Improvements in transportation planning require a balance between system-level thinking and attention to one-foot level experiences, as well as a recognition and utilization of expertise at all levels and across different scales.

Alissa Walker on the Past, Present, and Future of Transportation

Exasperated Infrastructures • 9 implied HN points • 02 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Transportation Urbanism Infrastructure Policy Public Health
  1. Transportation planning should prioritize filling gaps that benefit the most people in need
  2. Engagement with communities is crucial for building strong, resilient transportation policies
  3. Investing in everyday needs like sidewalks and public bathrooms can significantly improve quality of life

Rabbit Holes 🕳️ #53

Creative Destruction • 5 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Technology Design Communication Urbanism
  1. Spirituality can be a missing element in sustainability efforts, focusing on inner development rather than just external actions.
  2. Technology and convenience may create a feeling of disconnection and lack of control in our lives, rather than making things easier.
  3. Open-source urban design encourages flexible, adaptable, and nature-inspired city planning that involves the community in ongoing development.

Rabbit Holes 🕳️ #40

Creative Destruction • 7 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Design Philosophy Environment Urbanism
  1. The Age of Reorientation focuses on shifting our perceptions and imaginations to prefigure a better future.
  2. Earth-Centered Design calls for designing with nature in mind to promote sustainability and cooperation.
  3. Practicing Non-Duality involves recognizing the interconnectedness of self and the world to bring empathy and a sense of letting go.

C.R.E.A.M

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 5 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
💼 Business Economics Urbanism Labor Market
  1. Location choice for businesses is influenced by factors like market size, transportation costs, and differences in costs
  2. Cities experience agglomeration of economic activities due to labor market demand and specialization
  3. Urban development is constrained by limited urban land types and non-infinite demand for services

Nate Sloan: Public-Private Partnerships for Mediate-Immediate Experiences

Do Not Research • 0 implied HN points • 15 Sep 21
🎭️ Culture Architecture Urbanism Public spaces Neoliberalism Social media
  1. Advertisement experiences in skyscrapers are positioned as an escape from enclosed spaces like the home office.
  2. Architectural experiences like 'Vessel' and 'Summit OV' reflect the merging of public and private spaces, driven by market incentives and social media influence.
  3. The dynamic between public and private sectors in urban development highlights the shift towards commercial interests over public good, impacting the concept of public space.

What we learned at the 11th Street Bridge Park

The New Urban Order • 0 implied HN points • 07 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Urbanism Cities
  1. A group of subscribers recently met up for a tour and discussion about the DC Bridge Park, illustrating the joy of connecting with like-minded individuals passionate about cities and urban exploration.
  2. The experience of the meet-up was enjoyable and left the author eager to organize another subscriber gathering for the following month.
  3. The post offers a 7-day free trial to access more content from The New Urban Order, encouraging readers to explore further insights and discussions about urban environments.

Front-Facing Garages Can Be Great

Cornerstone • 0 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Architecture Community Urbanism Social Interaction
  1. Front-facing garages in townhouse developments can create a sense of community and social interaction among neighbors.
  2. Front-facing garages can lead to more serendipitous interactions among residents, fostering strong neighborhood connections.
  3. Garages can serve multiple purposes beyond car storage, such as providing secure storage for bikes and enhancing neighborhood walkability.

Minivan As Grand Safety Compromise

Cornerstone • 0 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Safety Urbanism Transportation
  1. Minivans are a great safety compromise for occupants, other vehicles, and pedestrians/cyclists due to their design features like low front for pedestrians and tall rear for occupants.
  2. Vehicle size and weight affect safety, with minivans offering a balance and protection, especially in collisions with other large vehicles like trucks.
  3. Limitations and trade-offs exist in automotive safety, emphasizing the importance of considering alternatives and continuous improvement.

The Inclusive City

Demodexio • 0 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Urbanism Gender Studies Community Advocacy
  1. The built environment shapes politics, and politics shape architecture, although the changes are subtle.
  2. The needs of women and children were not considered in city designs, leading to significant daily challenges.
  3. Advocacy is important, but dedicated committees and structural changes are needed to address societal issues effectively.