From Atlantic Cities ― The 10 Best Songs About the Subway

The 10 Best Songs About the Subway: Inspired by a new contest to write a song inspired by the G train.

From Yurbanism ― Jane Jacobs: Parting Words

Jane Jacobs: Parting Words (2007) from Kevin Balmer on Vimeo.

This longer (20 min) video captures Jane Jacobs in one of her last public appearances in Portland Oregon. On tour to promote her book, Dark Age Ahead(2004), Jacobs discusses the imperative for culturally diverse and innovative cities, among many other issues. Read more: Jane Jacobs: Parting Words - Yurbanism

The Shuffle Demons Still Love the Spadina Bus

The Shuffle Demons Love the Spadina Bus

From Changing City Updates ―750 Pacific Boulevard | Plaza of Nations

It may be officially 750 Pacific, but it’s the Plaza of Nations to everyone in the city. Or at least, it was – this rezoning would presumably see it getting a new name. The project proposes up to 2,000 apartments, 350,000 sq ft of commercial space including a hotel and retail. It also includes a new practice arena for the Canucks which would be a public skating rink the rest of the time.

The most striking gesture is obviously James Cheng’s proposed ‘grand arch’ tower. There’s a long path ahead of this proposal, including no doubt at least one review by the Urban Design Panel. It will be interesting to see how the cluster of apparently similar height towers gets viewed, along with the massing of the lower but bulkier buildings.

750 Pacific Boulevard | Changing City Updates
Rezoning Application detail from the City of Vancouver

Reclaim Prior Street! reclaimprior.ca

From polis ― Questioning the Obsession with Cars

Source: Austin Miller 

There’s a dirty little secret about driving: Nobody likes it. Most people are not able to admit it, for they are unaware that congestion, the constant and excessive costs of car ownership and road rage are avoidable. No survey can generate responses such as, "I only think I like driving because I see few alternatives, and all of those threaten my identity." 

Welcome to Springfield, Ill. — my hometown and a typical city of sprawl. It is an environment that forces me to cross a highway to access my credit union, jobs or the grocery store. Obviously, it is neither possible nor desired for a bicyclist to keep pace with the traffic rushing along at 50 mph.


Read more: polis: Questioning the Obsession with Cars