Metro Atlanta Chamber’s Post

In this episode of #unPlanned, we sit down with architect and urban planner Leonardi Aray AIA to understand the similarities that cities in the Americas share (and how they differ from their European counterparts). https://lnkd.in/eQkAJPPU

Rotterdam is perhaps the most interesting cities in The Netherlands (sorry Amsterdam). In this article, titled 'Rotterdam in the 21st century: From ‘sick man’ to ‘capital of cool' my colleague Jannes Willems (with Gijs Custers) gives an excellent portrait of the fast transformation of this city, which combines industrial power with conservative politics, stararchitecture with gray infrastructures. It even has something like the high-line of New York. here the article https://lnkd.in/gsdU-CKd

What is the best city in America? A global consulting company, Resonance, each year releases lists of the most desirable urban areas to live, work, and visit. New York City ranks first in shopping, landmarks, and sights categories, maintaining its top spot for nine consecutive years. Chicago secures second place, praised for its infrastructure and affordability, boasting the second-most Fortune 500 headquarters in the U.S. Los Angeles takes third with top rankings in restaurants and museums, undergoing major infrastructure investments like the LAX project. Miami excels in foreign-born residents, while Las Vegas leads in attractions, contributing to their top-five positions. San Francisco, Boston, and Washington, D.C., follow closely in sixth, seventh, and eighth places respectively, known for their unique urban attributes and prosperity. Seattle and Houston round out the top ten best cities in America, each offering distinct qualities in livability and economic opportunities. #travel #business

"As cities continue to grow and evolve, it is essential to prioritize the creation and preservation of public spaces. These spaces are not just amenities; they are essential components of a healthy, vibrant, and inclusive city. By investing in public spaces, cities can create environments where people can thrive, communities can flourish, and the urban experience can be truly enriching for all." Beyond Concrete: The Social Role of Public Spaces in Urban Planning from Rethinking the Future 📖

Public spaces are the core of successful societies. Why? The word “society” itself derives from the Latin “socius”, for “companion”. The backbone of all societies is human companionship and connection. And connection is structurally impossible in urban environments without designated shared spaces. Shared, public spaces that are safe, comfortable, inclusive, and exciting; but also sustainable, mindful, and innovative; are in the vanguard of contemporary urban developments. From the historic landscapes of Frederick Law Olmsted, to the cutting-edge spaces of modern metropolises, with our great cities should come great parks! Click here to learn more about the world of shared space: -      https://lnkd.in/grgksrZW -      https://lnkd.in/dpktUPUq -      https://lnkd.in/enxYzfxf

Imagine a downtown where interesting and beautiful places keep you wanting to walk further, to see more and experience all of the diverse activity that surrounds you; (kinda like the feeling you had the first time you visited City Museum). I envision a place where people would prefer to not have a car when living in or visiting downtown because of how it takes away from the vibrant experience and sense of adventure one gets just from being there. What if we rebuilt downtown to be a fully livable, self-sustaining community that has everything one needs for a happy and healthy life, (like groceries, parks, schools, jobs, etc.) all without ever needing to get into a car? But let's not stop there. What if we built a place that was truly invigorating... a place that daily inspires creativity and sparks the innovative and creative juices waiting to be unlocked in each of our brains? We can use lessons learned from neuroscience to inform how we create such a place that stimulates our neurons. We can even tap into the brain hacks that gaming and social media companies have used to design this place by creating a compulsion loop that: 1. triggers interest, 2. provokes action (i.e., walking one more block, checking out a store/event/piece of art, etc.), 3. provides a variable reward (things change and you never know what you will experience from one day to the next), and 4. entices an investment (time, money, talent, etc.) back into the community so that each resident or visitor can leave their finger print on the place - which then triggers the interest of the next person. Let's not make the mistake of thinking that we need to build back what once was, (i.e., a central business district where people come for their 9-5 and little else). Downtown hitting "rock bottom" is our chance to build something entirely new and different. It's time to think outside the box. Please share your thoughts in the comments below. Let's start a discussion!

🏙️ **Chapter 1: The Shape of American Cities** 🏙️ As we dive into the first chapter of our newly released report "Shaping Tomorrow's Cities," let's explore the evolving structures and patterns defining U.S. cities. This chapter reveals how demographic shifts, economic trends, and policy changes are shaping the future of urban landscapes. Discover the insights: https://lnkd.in/gtq3AT39 **Question for you:** How do you think demographic changes will impact the growth and development of American cities over the next decade? Stay tuned as we continue to highlight each chapter of our report in the coming weeks! #CBREResearch #CBRE #UrbanDevelopment #CityPlanning #FutureCities #RealEstateResearch #SustainableCities #UrbanGrowth

Parklets "Parklets are charming public spaces meant to encourage pedestrians to stay and linger in areas that used to be reserved only for cars." [activation spaces] "Urban acupuncture is an architectural design practice of urban regeneration. It involves regenerating an urban area with the goal of having a transformative and revitalizing impact on that area and its surroundings." "It combines the principles of urban design with the traditional medical theory of acupuncture: catalytic and energy-intensive interventions in the urban fabric regulate so-called "energy flows" (environmental, social, cultural and informational) within the city."

Enhancing the downtown experience for residents, visitors, and businesses, may not be as complicated as you think. In our Downtown Vibrancy Short Course webinar, you will learn what makes a downtown vibrant, about methods to assess your downtown, how to develop a plan for improvement, and what role partnerships and collaboration play in implementation and sustainability. https://lnkd.in/e_Ju2Suu