Radical Urban Planners's topics - tribe.net

bum's paradise

2008-08-14T03:36:37Z

How's this for autonomous urban planning...
a community of homeless people collaborated to build a free community out of salvage on the Albany Landfill in East Bay, Cali

check out the link
http://www.bumsparadise.com/

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 0 replies

Looking for non-traditional/green architecture for documentary, people to interview... (and more)

2008-08-14T03:33:11Z

I'm setting off on a cross country adventure to make a documentary on the issues most of the media ignores... sustainability, alternative energy, intentional communities, social and grassroots movements... and I am searching for stories that need to be told, businesses that should be supported and information that should be shared.

I'll be passing through at least thirty states in at least two months of travel. I have a general route but open to detours as they present themselves.

Please drop me a line!
Blessings!
Jessica/Catalysta
__________________________________

Intrepid mother daughter team fearlessly travel across the United States in their "trusty" Mercedes "tank" that runs on waste veggie oil! As they inhale the smell of freedom fries coming from their exhaust they search for stories that need to be told about our environment, our people, and the future of this country. www.jessicaandolivia.com

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 2 replies

Neighbors rally to create a park

2008-08-12T16:14:14Z

www.associatedcontent.com/article/945801/seattle_capitol_hill_community_rallies.html

A bunch of Hill folks get together to fundraise for a park to be on John and Summit.

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 1 reply

UTAH

2008-07-12T15:54:59Z

Utah Valley Commons, a cohousing community to be located south of Salt Lake City and within commuting distance of Utah Valley State College and Brigham Young University, welcomes participation by individuals and families interested in: co-housing, eco-village development, permaculture, and sustainable living in general. The UVCC has no religious or political affiliation. Everyone is welcome.

At present we are early in the planning stage, and no site has been selected. The list will serve as forum for discussion, and will lead to practical expression in the form of eco-village and/or co-housing development in or near Provo, Utah. Our models are Eco-Village at Ithaca (www.ecovillage.ithaca.ny.us/), Champlain Valley Co-Housing (www.champlainvalleycohousing.org), the Wasatch Commons (www.econ.utah.edu/~ehrbar/c...ndex.htm), and Earthsong Eco-Neighborhood (www.earthsong.org.nz), suitably modified to local conditions.

"If it is man's privilege to be independent, it is equally his duty to be inter-dependent." M. K. Gandhi

groups.yahoo.com/group/uta...cohousing/
www.utahvalleycommons.com/

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 0 replies

Shakespeare and the Urban Experience

2008-05-28T22:52:44Z

What does Shakespeare have to do with the urban experience? You might be surprised. New blog at http://www.urbanparadoxes.com/flaneur.html.

Comments always appreciated.

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 0 replies

PD James, Blake, Celtic Christianity, and the Soul of the City

2008-05-22T19:54:03Z

Actually that's the subtitle of a new post, "The Soul of the City" at http://www.urbanparadoxes.com/flaneur.html

Also a review of PRIVATELY OWNED PUBLIC SPACES: THE NEW YORK EXPERIENCE at http://www.urbanparadoxes.com/review.html

And while you are at it, why not check out the entire web site (http://www.urbanparadoxes.com)? It is all new as off April 1 of this year.

frank

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 0 replies

Mitchell Joachim, designer of the fab tree hab, etc, to speak at Evergreen (free)

2008-05-15T08:25:41Z

He is speaking next Thursday, may 15th at 6pm at the Evergreen State College in olympia, WA. www.evergreen.edu/synergy.

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 0 replies

EcoCity conference in SFO

2008-04-20T22:28:09Z

Hey, is anyone else going to the EcoCity World Summit in April in San Francisco? I'm pretty psyched about it, but am new to the field, kinda doing this for school at Evergreen. If anyone has feedback or is going, or has good books for me to read (beyond Richard Register) I'd love to tank up on knowledge so I can get the most out of it.

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 6 replies

Eco City Conference 2008

2008-04-09T19:16:46Z

Hi All, I apologize I have been abit out of touch. Such is life in the fast lane of life.

I wanted to call all of your attention to this conference coming up http://www.ecocityworldsummit.org/index.htm

its happening in April in San Francisco, and should be amazing! An exraordinary network of folks from all over the country, and many continents in the world are being represented.

I am going to set up a meeting spot/networking hour for all of us 1000 Plus Radical Planners.

I'd love some Ideas.

Your moderator, Laurie

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 2 replies

sustainability jobs/networking?

2008-02-23T17:49:00Z

I recently graduated with a BA in Sustainable Community Development. I moved to Portland with the hope that I will find work doing something that helps me grow as a person and, more importantly, helps make the world a better place. I am interested in community building, green building, environmental and conservation issues, and all things sustainable. However, I have not yet been able to find gainful employment in this field. I would like to find some community groups, volunteer and job opportunities. Any ideas, suggestions, connections?
Thanks!

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 5 replies

2008 Communities Conference

2008-02-19T17:55:40Z

My name is Suede and I live at Twin Oaks Community in Louisa, VA. This year I'm co-organizing the Communities Conference at Twin Oaks for my 2nd year, though the conference has been happening for many years now. Thought I'd post some basic info on the conference for those interested in learning about community, expanding knowledge or just meeting new people. Feel free to contact me with any questions about Twin Oaks or our conferences.

In Community,
Suede Machete

Here's the info:

The Communities Conference is a networking and learning opportunity for anyone interested or involved in co-operative or communal lifestyles. Join us for a weekend of sharing and celebration!

Friday August 15 through
Sunday August 17, 2008
$85 (sliding scale) includes
meals and camping

With workshops and events focused on
~ Intentional relationships
~ Group process
~Collective child raising
~ Creating culture
~ Forming communities
~ Sustainability
~ Appropriate technology
~ Community economics

Music
Dancing
Slide shows
Campfires
Swimming
Magic
More!

Respond to:
Twin Oaks Communities Conference
138 Twin Oaks Road, Louisa, Virginia 23093
540-894-5126

conference@twinoaks.org

For More Information, check out our website:

www.communitiesconference.org

Twin Oaks also hosts a Women's Gathering! Check that out at :

www.twinoaks.org/community...index.html

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 0 replies

Hyper-Borders: A review

2008-02-18T19:15:16Z

A review of HYPER-BORDERS: The US-MEXICO BORDER AND ITS FUTURE (Fernando Ramero/LARS can be found at http://www.urbanparadoxes.com/review.html

Also a new Flaneur post at http://www.urbanparadoxes.com/citytalk.html

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 0 replies

feel good story of the day

2008-01-22T04:58:32Z

http://www.thestar.com/News/article/295631

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 0 replies

Enviro-friendly prefab housing

2008-01-22T00:58:32Z

http://www.thegoodhuman.com/2008/01/03/the-oxley-woods-prefab-housing-development-in-london/

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 2 replies

"The street of the future"?

2008-01-21T18:00:21Z

Protecting cyclists with parked cars:

-----------------------------------------
A Busy City Street Makes Room for Bikes
By WILLIAM NEUMAN
New York Times, September 23, 2007

Cyclists and pedestrians never quite imagined it this way, but maybe there is a use for all those cars after all.

The city is planning to remake seven blocks of Ninth Avenue in Chelsea into what officials are billing enthusiastically, perhaps a bit hyperbolically, as the street of the future.

The most unusual aspect of the design, which will run from 16th Street to 23rd Street, is that it uses a lane of parked cars to protect cyclists from other traffic.

It does this by placing the bike lane directly next to the sidewalk on the western edge of Ninth Avenue, which is the left side of the street for those facing north, in the direction of traffic. The plan also takes a lane from cars, creating more room for pedestrians and for the bicycle lane.

“I think it’s a sneak peek at the future streets of New York,” said Janette Sadik-Khan, the city’s transportation commissioner. “It represents the kinds of innovative ideas that we can explore to make the streets more livable.”

Next to the bike lane, which will be 10 feet wide, will be an eight-foot section of pavement that will act as a buffer, with plastic posts and large planters to keep cars from entering. The parking lane will be to the right of the buffer zone, and beyond that will be three lanes for traffic.

The result will be a barrier of parked cars between cyclists and moving vehicles.

“For cyclists, you’ve got a physically separate lane that prevents motorists from coming in,” Ms. Sadik-Khan said.

It is a design that has been used in cities in Europe but never in New York City.

Another feature will make life easier for people on foot. At each intersection, a raised island will extend into the avenue. Called a “pedestrian refuge,” it has the effect of shortening the distance traveled to cross the street to 45 feet, from 70 feet.

Ms. Sadik-Khan said that work would begin shortly and that the remade street would be completed by next month.

As part of the plan, single-space parking meters will be replaced by Muni-Meters, which control many spaces, and the cost of parking will increase to $2 an hour from $1.50.

Ms. Sadik-Khan said the makeover of the avenue was possible because traffic volume in the area was low enough that cars could move as smoothly in three lanes as in four.

It is not difficult to see how that rationale could dovetail with Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg’s proposal for congestion pricing, which would charge drivers a fee to use the streets of Manhattan below 86th Street. The fee is supposed to reduce the volume of traffic, which could theoretically free up street space for other uses.

Noah S. Budnick, the deputy director of Transportation Alternatives, an advocacy group that works to improve conditions for cyclists and pedestrians, said he thought a protected bike lane would encourage more New Yorkers to get on bikes.

“If you talk to the average New Yorker, they’d ride a bike, but most people say the traffic is too scary,” Mr. Budnick said. He pointed to the example of a popular bike path in Hudson River Park.

“If you provide protected space for riding bikes, New Yorkers are going to use it in droves,” he said.

Mr. Budnick was asked if the idea of parked cars protecting cyclists changed his view of the oversized S.U.V.’s that are often the bugaboo of bikers and environmentalists. After all, the bigger the car, the better the barrier.

“As long as they’re not moving,” he said.

#

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 7 replies

Urban Agriculture conference, Milwaukee

2008-01-03T00:20:58Z

Sounds like a good one:

--------------------------------------------
EDUCATE MOTIVATE POLLINATE
Feb. 21 to March 1, 2008
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

This conference invites everybody interested in urban agriculture to participate by sharing needs, experiences, questions, and project ideas. This conference will address the barriers to urban agriculture, by involving a wide range of often disconnected stakeholders: urban producers, researchers, urban planners, developers, community organizations, and urban activists to address the most important and controversial issues of poverty alleviation, environmental and waste management, local economic, social and community development and global warming.

List of Themes and Planned Workshops/Forums:

Food Justice
*Immigrant Farmers
*Economics of Food
*Creating Healthy Communities
*Urban Ag in low income communities
*Growing Food and Justice

Garden as Community
*Faith Component
*School Garden Programs
*Gardens create community

Policy and Planning
*Global Warming and Urban Agriculture
*Future of Urban Agriculture
*Food Policy Councils
*Youth and Urban Agriculture

Enterprise Development
*SPIN Farming, intensive agriculture for urban areas
*Post Harvest Marketing
*Community Economic Development and Urban Agriculture
*How to Compete in the Marketplace
*Grant Writing for Urban Agriculture

growurban.org/about.shtml

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 0 replies

Global Relocalization – A Call to Action

2007-12-27T20:15:50Z

Join this very important call to action!

"The imminent peaking of global oil production and the fact that natural gas production has already peaked in North America could be the catalyst for positive transformation of industrial society. It could also be a recipe for disaster...
"...seeking like-minded organizations, volunteers, and activists to create a coalition to support community relocalization projects and experiments, as well as online database access and community tools that can help streamline the relocalization process. We are also organizing conferences and creating a speakers bureau with energy, biosphere, and localization experts to help spread the word."

Check this link for full article and a list of ways you can get involved!
http://www.postcarbon.org/index.php?page=relocalization

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 2 replies

City Planning Commissions

2007-12-14T02:01:21Z

Has anyone been on or had to work with a city planning commission before?

I ask because I'm being considered for a seat on a planning commission for the city of Fresno.

Any wisdom or warning you can share are appreciated.

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 2 replies

san Francisco based RUP?

2007-12-14T01:58:00Z

Hi all, so who on our tribe hails from San Francisco and let us know what you are doing?

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 0 replies

Human car on TV!

2007-11-19T20:37:09Z

Promote sustainability!
Put your money where your mouth is!

Tonight on "Invention Nation" which will feature HumanCar airs 10:30 p.m. (pst) on the Science Channel. It will repeat at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday and at 3:30 p.m. Sunday!

www.humancar.com.

Check out this link to see some of our publicity:
http://www.bendbulletin.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071119/BIZ0102/711190360/1011&nav_category=

Check out:http://www.greenteamtv.com, http://www.greenearthvision.com, http://agreenevolution.blogspot.com, http://www.seriousyurts.com, http://www.greenmatecafe.com

Don't forget to PRE-ORDER!

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 0 replies

Shared Spaces/Living Streets - Case Study Examples

2007-10-28T04:09:46Z

I am currently putting together a proposal for implementing a shared space model. I have found a lot of examples of cities using these models but I am having a hard time gathering literature on the implementation challenges that were faced by these communities.

Does anyone here have any experience with these designs? Do you know of any cities that tried to put something like this in place and failed? Any suggestions on places to look for pros/cons of the systems?

Thanks in advance!

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 6 replies

The Benefits of Global Warming

2007-10-26T03:48:42Z

This was posted today in the Contra Costa Times business section (www.contracostatimes.com/news/...2576):

"San Ramon-based Chevron Corp., along with Exxon-Mobil Corp. and Denmark's Dong Energy A//S, were selected to explore for oil off Greenland's western coast as global warming melts ice banks in the Arctic.

The island's Joint Committee on Mineral Resources recommended that Exxon, Chevron, Dong and Nunaoil together be awarded an oil exploration and production license for offshore block 4, according to a statement from Greenland. The recommendation must be approved by authorities in Greenland and Denmark, which helps govern the island.

The world's largest island, home to about 56,000 people, wants to strengthen an economy based on fishing with income from oil and gas production. Higher temperatures have dissolved ice sheets covering some of the island's surrounding waters, making the area more accessible for oil drilling."

Not that its any surprise. But, clearly....the prospects of new oil and gas exploration opportunities provides a disincentive for Chevron to limit its carbon footprint and begin to look at supporting alternatives.

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 4 replies

Cities hop on bicycle bandwagon

2007-10-19T19:47:53Z

Big cities try to ease way for bicyclists
By Charisse Jones
USA TODAY

Cities are accelerating their efforts to encourage commuting on two wheels, putting bike racks where cars once parked, adding bike lanes and considering European-style bike-share programs to get residents out of their cars.

Boston Mayor Thomas Menino last month named a former national cycling champion to be the city's director of bike planning. The city is identifying the best roads for bicycling in a mapping project that cyclists eventually may be able to access online. It also plans to add 250 bike racks by next fall and this month will hold a summit of cycling experts to determine a long-term bike strategy.

"There's never been so much attention from cities collectively for cycling as a mode of transportation," says Loren Mooney, executive editor of Bicycling magazine. "Cities are recognizing that it is a realistic and inexpensive solution to a lot of different problems — to the traffic issues, to pollution issues, to personal health issues because instead of sitting in cars for an hour you have people out burning calories."

Other cities taking steps:

•New York for the first time is creating a special lane, modeled on those used in European cities such as Copenhagen, Denmark, that will separate bicyclists from motorists. The Ninth Avenue bike lane in Manhattan is being built between a sidewalk and a lane for parked cars.

"We're re-imagining the streets of New York," says Janette Sadik-Khan, the city's transportation commissioner. Mayor Michael Bloomberg wants to add 200 miles of bike lanes by 2010 to serve a growing population. "The city is going to add a million new residents over the next 25 years," Sadik-Khan says.

Inspectors recently began focusing specifically on bike lanes, looking for potholes and other problems. "We're going to have to look at greener modes of transportation … and reduce our reliance on cars to get around town," she says.

•Chicago is striving by 2015 to have 5% of all trips shorter than 5 miles to be taken by bicycle. Mayor Richard Daley also is considering launching a bike program he saw in Paris. That effort, begun in July, allows residents and visitors to check out a bike at one location, ride free during the first half-hour and park the bike at another location near their destination.

•San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, whose city is considered one of the friendliest to cyclists by the League of American Bicyclists, says he wants at least 10% of all trips in the city within three years to be made by bicycle.

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors will vote next month on a contract with Clear Channel Outdoor Inc. to create a bike-share program like that in Paris in exchange for advertising rights on transit shelters. The city also has given away 2,500 bike lights and 400 children's bike helmets this year.

"This whole movement has taken place in tandem with resurging interest in cities and developing downtowns," says Paul Steely White, executive director of Transportation Alternatives, an advocacy group that promotes walking, cycling and public transit in New York City.

Some analysts doubt that these initiatives will have much of an effect on traffic.

"I don't think encouraging cycling is going to reduce congestion or significantly change the transportation makeup of our cities," says Randal O'Toole, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute. "There really is very little evidence that any of (these efforts) are reducing the amount of driving. They're just making it more annoying to drivers."

Some city officials and cycling advocates acknowledge that obstacles remain for bicyclists.

New York residents often express worries about safely navigating city traffic on two wheels and finding secure places to park their bikes, Sadik-Khan and Steely White say.

"It's fine to encourage people to ride their bikes to work," Sadik-Khan says, "but what do they do when they get there?"

Find this article at:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-10-07-bicyclists_N.htm

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 7 replies

New York's Park Avenue before 1922

2007-10-11T23:58:17Z

I found this entry from Colin Beavan's (aka No Impact Man) blog via Bicycle Fixation's blog. Yup.

http://noimpactman.typepad.com/blog/2007/08/what-are-cities.html

"Shows Park Avenue in New York as the idyllic lane it was when it was designed, how it looked when reconfigured for cars, and how it looks today, after it has been thoroughly ravaged to make room for motor traffic. Plenty of food for though here. Show your friends."

http://www.bicyclefixation.com/

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 2 replies

National Park(ing) Day

2007-10-10T00:37:49Z

I love this -

http://planetizen.com/node/27147

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 3 replies

First We Kill All The Architects

2007-10-07T23:09:12Z

i found this somewhat entertaining/interesting/amusing/obvious -

_____________________________________________________________________

This illustrated list outlines the 10 simple steps to designing the city of the future.

Photographer Danny Lyon offers his ideas for improving cities.

"I have been asked to help design a city. I am flattered. In the past, this was the job of emperors and kings. Of course, today, things are a bit more complicated. Having benefited from a New York City public school education and 65 years of life, and with the peace of mind necessary for clear thought that I have now, living on my farms, where I raise my own vegetables and fish, I recommend the following:

http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2007/09/09/nyregion/thecity/09tactics.ready.html

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 4 replies

The City In The Cross-Hairs: A Conversation With Stephen Graham

2007-09-25T18:52:59Z

this is a long read and for the truly-interested only...im just posting urls due to the length...crucial stuff...a great blog, too...check it out further:

http://subtopia.blogspot.com/2007/08/city-in-crosshairs-conversation-with.html (pt 1)

http://subtopia.blogspot.com/2007/09/city-in-crosshairs-conversation-with.html (pt 2)

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 0 replies

Introductions?

2007-09-19T17:49:51Z

Just stumbled on this tribe....seems interesting. Looks fairly quiet as of late...but thought I'd post a little introduction and see if I could get others to do the same...

30, environmental/urban planner in the San Francisco Bay Area. Work for a public agency focused on open space protection. Have "done time" in private consulting and municpal government as well.

Radical!

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 13 replies

Radical Urban Planning?

2007-09-19T17:45:14Z

I was impressed when I read this article about Sao Paulo banning and removing all billboards and visual advertising in the city. In a city of that size...I'd say a bold move like this equates to radical urban planning - or at least a step towards it. No doubt there was huge business resistance. The benefits are now being realized though....through increased community identity, historic preservation, and just being able to see their city again without all the clutter.

http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0914/p05s01-woam.html

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 1 reply

What makes a "radical" planner? (was: where are...)

2007-09-13T23:41:05Z

I suppose my question was posed generally, since I've long wondered what the group's founder meant by radical. (Sustainability, permaculture, and co-housing seems like a fairly narrow and relatively benign subset of all that could be called radical, even though they are far from being mainstream practices). But de.tlef prompted the timing of my question with that note of swagger in his tone--if he "can't find any RUP's here", that implies he believes himself to be more radical than everybody else.

What made me sign up for this tribe -- and I was so happy to see it a couple years ago when I was just poking around on the site! -- is that I equate radical with progressive, and assumed there would be some kindred spirits here who share a positive vision for the city that includes sustainability and physical design aspects, but also issues of social justice and policy/governance.

The right uses the term "radical" perjoratively, but for many of us it has a postive and rallying ring to it. For me it implies working toward greater social inclusion, a flatter economic playing field and socioeconomic hierarchy, more support for public life and "the commons" rather than unquestioned free market dominance and privatization. Participatory democracy, possibly anarchy in the positive sense.

The majority of the world's population now lives in urban agglomeration. So, to paraphrase one of my professors, "If we don't have an *urban* solution to the problem, we don't have a solution to the problem."

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 27 replies

Hi all

2007-08-21T00:33:24Z

Hi,

I am looking for informed individuals with a passion for renewable energy
that wish to be part of a small team that runs World of Renewables.

Link: www.worldofrenewables.com

Its a free website so we rely on peoples passion.

We need individuals that are willing to contribute to the site in terms of news articles and
forum topics.
To be a moderator of the site to help members find information and generally promote
Renewable energy/Alternate energy/Susatinabillity.

If you are interested please drop me a line.

Not interested but have views? goto : http://www.worldofrenewables.com/register.php
And contribute to the forum- all feedback is welcome.

Regards

Grant Rowe
Editor
World of Renewables.com

grantrowe@worldofrenewables.com

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 0 replies

No such thing as Free Parking!

2007-08-06T23:20:18Z

I very much enjoyed reading the thread, "What makes a RUP." Glad you're all here. After dabbling a little in city planning, I have to confess to myself (and everyone apparently) that transportation planning is where it's at for me. It is my passion. I'm particularly taken with one of my former professor's ideas on ending free parking.
http://www.its.berkeley.edu/itsreview/summer2005/freeparking.html
What's more radical than that?!
Any thoughts?

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 19 replies

Seeds of peace in the middle east?

2007-08-06T07:16:00Z

Hay all!
I've tried to post a this before, but for some reason, it didn't registrar and folks couldn't read what I had written. So, I'm going to attempt to write it out again and hopefully this time, we'll have more responses,

Ok, so...a little info and background. I'm in Israel, and working on a project out here to grow herbs for the community. Also, wanting very much to have a program available for kids and their parents to learn about plants and how they communicate with us on all levels. It's really something that isn't being done here and I would like to bring this opportunity to light. I need some help. That's way i'm writing this request. We have a few green houses, so climate is not an issue. We need seeds! All different kinds, but organic. Herbs and winter vegetables.

The list for herbs:Elder flowers ,Yarrow ,Sage ,Rose hips ,Echinacea,Mullein,Astragalus,
Poke Root,Elecampane ,Thyme.

We are asking for 30 seeds each be sent to Israel.
We are asking for donations, since this project can really use all the help it can get and we really don't have the funds to get these seeds. Also, we request that the seeds are from your own garden and collected by you. It's a beautifal thing to know that the seeds that we are receiving are from people who cared for these plants and havested the seeds themselves. There is a story there and it makes it interesting to explain where these seeds came from and who cared for them. We like telling it this way.

Our request for organic Veggie seeds:
Celery ,Chinese leaves ,Dark greens ,Leeks ,Mushrooms, Squashes ,Winter roots ,Winter salads.

If it's not too much trouble to send the seeds with labels so we know what is what.

If you have any questions please feel to send me a message.
Thanks so much for helping us with this project. I mean a lot to us and the many people who's lives will be changed by your seeds.

If you are interested, please let me know and I can give out the address of where to send the seeds.

~peace~

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 0 replies

looking for urban artists of all genres, including mad-cap urban planners

2007-07-29T14:05:57Z

Urban Paradoxes has been contracted to take on a major urban arts (of all genres, including performance and kinetic) project and will be in need of urban artists throughout the world as the project unfolds. For more information please send a message via Tribe or UrbanParadoxes@yahoo.com and we will get back to you. If your thing as a radical urban planner is mad-cap urban design, that also fits.

We would also appreciate it if you would past this request on to others.

Thanks,
Frank
Urban Paradoxes

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 2 replies

Helix Wind Turbine

2007-07-09T02:01:11Z

Hey Radical Urban Planners,

Does any body here have creative ideas on how to place this beauty into architecture. I would love to talk with you.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=q9flSPAdOLk

Peace and free energy,

Arrow

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 0 replies

World Mayors Hold Climate Summit in NYC

2007-05-16T14:25:21Z

May 15, 2007
World Mayors Hold Climate Summit in NYC
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK (AP) -- City leaders from around the globe gathered Tuesday for an environmental summit hosted by former President Clinton and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg with a message that the campaign to reverse global warming begins with the world's mayors.

''It is in cities that the battle to tackle climate change will be won or lost,'' London Mayor Ken Livingstone said.

Mayors and local leaders from more than 30 cities kicked off the conference, known as the C40 Large Cities Climate Summit, which first met in 2005 in London. Organizers say cities bear a significant responsibility to address climate change because they cover less than 1 percent of the Earth's surface but generate 80 percent of heat-trapping greenhouse gases.

''Our theme is not whether we should work together, because we know that we must, it is how and how fast we can do so,'' New York's Deputy Mayor Dan Doctoroff said.

The summit includes mayors from Seoul to Sao Paulo, Albuquerque to Addis Ababa.

The meeting comes at a time when many countries are struggling to address global and national standards for carbon reduction. This week, U.N. delegates are meeting in Germany to gear up for December negotiations on a new set of international rules for controlling greenhouse gas emissions. The new accord would succeed the Kyoto Protocol, which ends in 2012.

When the Group of Eight major industrialized countries -- the U.S., Britain, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, Canada and Russia -- met in Germany in June, climate change will also be on the agenda.

Meanwhile, the mayors said Tuesday, local governments can't wait around.

''Where national governments can't or won't lead, cities will,'' Toronto Mayor David Miller said.

In a discussion on transportation, the mayor of the Brazilian city of Curitiba described his city's solutions, which include a Bus Rapid Transit system, while Livingstone described London's program to reduce traffic by charging motorists extra money in the city center. Bloomberg recently announced his intention to begin a similar traffic charging program in Manhattan.

London traffic congestion dropped by 20 percent, and carbon emissions in the central zone similarly decreased, Livingstone said. The fee -- equal to about $16 -- has gone up since it started in 2003.

''People may not like paying the 5 pounds a day, but they certainly didn't want to live with that style of congestion,'' Livingstone said.

He said his city's next goal is to charge more for higher-polluting cars, a pricing scale that could mean a $50 equivalent charge for the worst offenders.

Organizers of the conference, which ends Thursday, also invited a number of business leaders to this year's gathering in an effort to involve the private sector. They hope to convince companies that going green -- through innovative construction, transportation alternatives and other environmental changes -- is a profitable economic move.

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 1 reply

Massachusetts steps up climate rules for developers

2007-04-28T14:25:06Z

Recent article:
-------------------------------------------
Mass. steps up climate rules for developers;
Pollution, traffic to be assessed
By Stephanie Ebbert, Boston Globe Staff
April 22, 2007

In a major change to Massachusetts environmental policy, private
developers will now be required to estimate the greenhouse gases their
large-scale projects will produce and reduce them with measures such
as energy-efficient lighting, alternative fuels, or commuter shuttles.

Effective immediately, developers planning projects large enough to
warrant a state environmental review will have to assess how the
projects contribute to the pollution that leads to global warming,
Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian A. Bowles told the Globe. Not only
will the state look at direct emissions from smokestacks and heating
with fossil fuels, but it will consider the indirect effect of
thousands of workers driving to a new office park.

Large housing developments, office projects, and mixed-use
developments that combine retail, industrial, and residential uses
will be affected. The change by Governor Deval Patrick also applies to
factories and power plants that require state air quality permits and
to buildings constructed or at least partly funded by the state.

"This policy puts greenhouse gases into the mainstream of
environmental policy and regulation," Bowles said Friday. "We can no
longer be indifferent to greenhouse gas emissions -- any more than we
are to any other form of air pollution."

As a policy change, the measure goes into effect immediately, and
requires no legislative approval. However, beginning Tuesday, an
advisory committee made up of air quality consultants, environmental
engineers, and state environmental officials will begin shaping a
protocol for how developers can measure their anticipated greenhouse
gases and take steps to reduce them. Those guidelines should be
complete by July 1. Developers submitting plans until then will be
given broad latitude to comply, said environmental affairs spokesman
Robert Keough .

State officials believe they will be the first in the nation to
consider greenhouse gases as part of developers' environmental impact
reviews. Three years ago, Mitt Romney proposed to do so as part of his
Climate Protection Plan as governor . But the state never implemented
the provision, acknowledged Sonia Hamel , formerly a special assistant
to the secretary of the Office of Commonwealth Development.

The initial reception from the development community was positive,
with some leaders saying Patrick's plan coincides with growing
interest in use of "green" design and construction and does not appear
to be too onerous. State officials could not estimate how many
projects would be affected in a given year.

The change follows this month's Supreme Court ruling in which the
justices decided that greenhouse gases are pollutants that can be
regulated by the federal government; the Bush administration had
refused to limit these emissions from new autos and trucks, preferring
voluntary actions with less economic impact. Massachusetts was a lead
plaintiff in that case, and is among the states sprinting past the
federal government in efforts to control the gases that contribute to
global warming. Romney developed regulations to limit carbon dioxide
emissions from Massachusetts power plants, and Patrick joined a pact
with eight other states creating a market-based trading system to
contain emissions from power plants throughout the region more
broadly.

The new plan goes further -- governing big residential and commercial
construction and covering all six greenhouse gases recognized under
the Kyoto Protocol as pollutants that trap heat in the atmosphere.

With broad scientific consensus that emissions of greenhouse gases are
now the major contributor to the earth's rising temperatures, and a
sudden public acceptance of the risk, cities and states have been
racing to address the issue. Cambridge and Boston just introduced
plans to counter global warming, California issued a broad climate
plan, and five western states have joined forces for another regional
effort to drive down greenhouse gases.

The Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act requires state agencies to
use "all practicable means and measures to minimize damage to the
environment" when considering development projects.

Now, the state will interpret "damage" to include the release of
greenhouse gases, and developers will have to find ways to minimize or
mitigate the greenhouse gas emissions they produce. A builder could,
for instance, reduce overall emissions by installing energy efficient
lighting or insulation, or selecting a design that makes the best use
of natural light, heating, and cooling. A project could also provide
shuttle buses to public transportation to discourage employees from
driving.

Patrick's administration has no estimate of how emissions might drop
over time, but Bowles said the change would drive builders toward more
environmentally friendly construction.

"You're basically saying you've got to start cutting greenhouse gas
emissions," said Bowles. "The whole clean energy economy is going to
favor those types of projects that have lower greenhouse gas
emissions."

Some developers agreed. David Begelfer , chief executive officer of
the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties, said
high energy costs are driving developers toward more energy-efficient
construction. "Green building has been happening around the country
and is becoming, in some ways, best in the industry practices," said
Begelfer.

"We're very trusting at this point in time -- based on what we know of
in the industry and what they've been looking for," he said of the
Patrick administration's new policy. "I don't think they're looking to
make things that are not financially reasonably achievable."

R.J. Lyman , a real estate partner at Goodwin Procter who wrote the
current environmental policy act regulations when he worked for the
state, said he expected the change would provide "evenhanded and
predictable" rules that developers appreciate. He also noted that the
environmental review process allows developers to suggest the best
means of reducing their projects' environmental costs. "They know the
economics of the project. They know where the opportunities are. And
they are motivated because they want something. That is why I think
this is an extraordinarily sensible approach," Lyman said.

State environmental impact reviews are required only for public
projects, large-scale private developments, and those that are
environmentally sensitive -- for instance, altering more than 50 acres
of land or 10 acres of wetlands. Home and commercial developers have
to satisfy a state environmental impact review if they attract a
certain volume of traffic -- 3,000 vehicle trips per day for office
projects, 6,000 for mixed-use projects with at least one-quarter of
the space for offices, and 10,000 trips for other types of
developments.

The review process could change dramatically with the consideration of
greenhouse gases, possibly allowing the state to prevent construction
of certain developments, such as a power plant. In the past, the
proponent of a power plant had to demonstrate why it should be built
at a certain spot. Now, the applicant may also need to show why the
plant would need to burn coal; for example, rather than generate
electricity from solar.

"Right now, you can [ask] -- whether it's an LNG project or a power
plant -- is there an alternative that's more environmentally sound?"
said Susan Reid, director of the Conservation Law Foundation's
Massachusetts Clean Energy and Climate Change Initiative. "But there's
not enough of a legal hook. This would really bolster arguments and
alternatives that are geared toward more climate-friendly solutions."

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 0 replies

Encouraging transit in L.A. (of all places!)

2007-04-28T01:12:19Z

----------------------------------------------------
Metro to Offer 50-cent Fares on 18 Bus Lines for One Full Week
Effective Sunday, February 18
Try ‘The Best For Less’ – More Than 50 Major Destinations Served

For an entire week in February, the public will be invited to try out selected Metro bus lines by riding at a savings of more than half off regular fares. From Feb. 18 through 24, 18 lines serving more than 50 destinations will offer one-way fares slashed to 50 cents per ride, down dramatically from the usual $1.25 one-way fare.

These 18 lines serve more than 50 major destination points throughout Los Angeles County including job centers, schools and universities, hospitals, shopping centers, museums, community centers and transportation hubs.

"We want LA's single passenger vehicle users to try our Metro services because they offer a great alternative to driving and make commuting throughout the city a lot easier," said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who introduced the promotional idea at a recent Metro Board meeting. "It is our hope that people will realize how much time and money they actually save and how much added convenience they receive by using our services."

Public transportation use can cut annual household expenses by an average $6,200 -- more than the average household pays for food for an entire year, according to a new study commissioned by the American Public Transportation Association.

“Even amidst Los Angeles’ ever-worsening traffic problem, there are millions of people who have never tried public transportation – either our buses or our rail system,” said Metro CEO Roger Snoble. “Metro was recently named ‘America’s Best Public Transportation System’ and we hope that this reduced fare week will encourage those who live and work in Los Angeles to check us out and try a different approach to commuting.”

The lines selected are in areas sprinkled throughout the county to encourage the greatest number of riders to sample the system.

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 4 replies

A challenge to define "radical urban planning" (in writing)

2007-04-19T16:58:29Z

Urban Paradoxes: FutureHood (http://www.urbanparadoxes.com/futurehood.html) would like to publish 3 or 4 brief (250 word) essays on (1) how "radical urban planning" challenges traditional models of urban planning, and/or (2) what "radical urban planning" can offer to our understanding of futuring in the urban context and/or (3) future urban neighborhood stability. Essays must be in the context stated in the middle column of the FutureHood Page.

We cannot pay, but promise lots of exposure. Our hope is to have enough pieces to use for our May issue. I know that's short notice, nevertheless that's what we're shooting for. If we receive more than four exceptional essays we will carry it over to a mid-month issue.

Deadline for submission is midnight April 26.

Please send completed essays via email to urbanparadoxes (at) cox (dot) net. Don't forget to include a brief bio about you, your URL(s), etc. You will retain full rights to the essay. Urban Paradoxes (http://www.urbanparadoxes.com) is published under "Creative Commons License 2.5." We will not publish your email address, but will redirect to you any queries we get re: your essay.

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 2 replies

An object to include in your radical urban plan

2007-04-07T01:37:37Z

I was riding my bike down Milvia yesterday past some school and it struck me, wow does Berkeley devote a lot of real estate to schools. Also, I know Berkeley is going to need to add housing in the coming years as the Bay Area's population continues to swell, and preferably affordable housing. I considered also that schools are not doing too well in the revenue department, and suddenly a match made in heaven appeared before my eyes! Add a floor or two on top of all the schools and make it housing! An improvement on the basic idea would be to make it Senior Housing, and/or to have programs like letting single moms stay there for a year. The potentials for resource sharing are astounding! Not to metion all the bonus benefits of seniors interacting with the kids (helping in the library, coaching, etc.) And by moving seniors onto this property, existing senior communities could be converted to affordable housing. Berkeley could add 2,000 units like this, I guess.

I wonder if any place has done this, presently or historically, and what the barriers would be, or how to make it happen.

Ha ha. Some part of me would like to see a perfect society even placing a few ex-cons into such a community (I wouldn't want to begin the conversation of how to make this a safe idea, though I believe it could be done.) I know that would never fly in the real world, but again, the potentials created by the arrangement would be amazing.

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 20 replies

The first step toward a new online urban magazine has been taken ...

2007-04-02T17:54:00Z

With the launch of the newly formatted "www.urbanparadoxes.com" web site Urban Paradoxes has moved one step closer to launching its online urban magazine.

While I encourage you to click on and follow the links, those of you who are creatively-minded need to check out www.urbanparadoxes.com/funfactory.html" page. Particularly read the note at the bottom of the post.

RSS feeds are available for each page. After you check it out, I would love to hear your comments, thoughts, and ideas.

Thanks,
Frank

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 0 replies

multi-use greenspace

2007-03-03T12:59:59Z

I'm currently involved with an organization implementing an historic "memorial art garden". Mostly historic to get the communities attention, and art to rally the appropriate community support. While I don't view the particular plot of land that will be converted into a display of cultural diversity in history as much of an actual accomplishment; I do see an amazing learning experience going on in this semi-conservative community in Lexington, KY. The words sustainability, green development, etc. are coming up a lot in the design process.

What is y'alls take on the importance of this phenomenon, where a basic community improvement can be used as a conscious raising experience for the whole community it takes place in... Now I know in places like the SF area where there is some very exciting capital investment in the issue of green development and whatnot (which is another interesting topic; the main streaming of green energy!!) in other parts of the country, especially the south, the raising of awareness is still CRUCIAL.

Ideas thoughts experiences....

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 0 replies

What about what actually amounts to a Radical Urban Plan?

2007-03-01T20:10:29Z

So far I haven't seen much discussion of actual techniques, designs or methodology, whether from a social standpoint or a technological one.

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 35 replies

Opinion requested, relating to GIS certification and job outlook in Portland Oregon

2007-03-01T18:18:00Z

Hello,
I am about to graduate with a BS in community development and a BS in social science, minors in real estate and sustainable urban development. The idea is that I will be applying to graduate school for urban planning. However, a classmate of mine dampened my enthusiasm to do this by stating that he decided not to because he didn't want to be $80,000 in debt with a master's degree and no job. My heart sunk when I heard this, since this has been my passion for the last four years. He claims that the market is saturated with planners in Oregon.
I'm currently in a world of debt with school and my degree offers very little technical training.
I'm trying to supplement my education with real estate knowledge, grant writing skills, and a graduate certificate in GIS.
My question is to those familiar with the Portland job market for people with GIS certification. What is your opinion? Will job opportunities for people with GIS certification decline or remain steady? Do you think it is currently steady? I'm curious.

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 4 replies

New Tribe about Sustainable and Practical Ecological Living and Intentional Community Issues.

2007-02-25T18:14:40Z

http://tribes.tribe.net/splice-eco

A tribe to discuss the real and practical issues of sustainability as well as the practical issues with intentional communities intended to help shift society towards a more sustainable model.

This is an actively moderated tribe in which spam, dangerous medical claims, personal attacks and cult recruiting behaviors will not be tolerated.

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 0 replies

Invitation: Sustainable Los Angeles Lecture Series Saturday March 3ed Save the Date!

2007-02-10T02:04:38Z

Please Join us for this special Two Part Lecture and presentation:

Where:
Audubon Center at Deb's Park
4700 North Griffin Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90031
(323) 221-2255
RSVP:
www.sustainablehabitats.org

When:
March 3ed 2007 @ 10:00 AM for Introduction to Pemaculture Class and at 2:00 PM for "Got Real Milk?" Presentation.
************************************************************************
-2007 Sustainable Los Angeles lecture series:

* Part1: Free Urban Permaculture Design Course Introduction
by David Kahn Director, Sustatainable Habitats, LLC:
Permaculture:
Using ecology as the basis for designing integrated systems of food, shelter, renewable energy and community. Permaculture is the perfect solution for creating sustainable lifestyles in the city.

Class Description:
Learn how to cope with peak oil and the energy descent society of the future. Become the solution! Learn how LA can be a model for sustainable cities. This Free Introduction to Permaculture Class is an outline of the science and art of Permaculture. It will define the term, its history, its founders and the curriculum of the design course certificate, its ethics and foundations. It will describe the benefits and show some of the most important work undertaken by permaculture designers.

* Part2: Talk and Slide Show Presentation:

"Got Real Milk?" by Mark McAfee President, Organic Pastures,LLC.

"Today's milk is accused of causing everything from allergies to heart disease to cancer, but when Americans could buy Real Milk, these diseases were rare. In fact, a supply of high quality dairy products was considered vital to American security and the economic well being of the nation". -The Weston A. Price Foundation
"What's needed today is a return to humane, non-toxic, pasture-based dairying and small-scale traditional processing, in short
A Campaign for Real Milk".

Learn the truth from one of America's leading experts on raw milk.
Mark McAfee, is regarded by many in the industry as a foremost expert in raw milk safety and raw dairy product markets and technology.

Please RSVP:
www.sustainablehabitats.org

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 0 replies

Current Trends in Radical Design!

2007-02-06T16:45:25Z

It would seem that more and more development projects are turning to sustainability. I believe it is through the efforts of individuals in places like this where ideas are formed and then taken back with us to be put into effect. In the past year I found that in my research it was rare to come across individuals who even knew what sustainable development was. Now there is this trend working toward a sustainable future and big business is becoming a driving force in it. Especially in Renewable Energy!!

Dongtan Eco city project in China. http://docksidegreen.ca/, www.centennialca.com as well as the Hacienda Business Park redevelopment project being conducted by www.cities21.org

The automated transport first/ last mile concept is very innovative for business parks like Hacienda and Stanford. These are but a few innovative developments which have started to take form in the past months.

I just found this really cool proposal for urban farms www.verticalfarm.com and a good solar technology which would make it more viable www.xsunx.com which markets pv solar windows. There are a few distributers of the solar window system for those who are looking to tackle two birds with one stone.

Personally I would go with PV windows and a solar concentration double axis tracking system on the roof with a vertical axis wind turbine for a new home but thats just me! Silicone PV systems are a waste of $$! Reliable but a waste! Silicone PV cells are so 20th century!

There are all kinds of cool things for green homes/ businesses on the market and other things which save energy/ resources and they are all coming together in places like Dongtan and in city redevelopment initiatives across the globe!

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 3 replies

Treasure Island Gets the Go Ahead

2007-02-04T13:29:26Z

Treasure Island project gets a go-ahead vote
Supervisors' actions allow city, partners to finalize contract
- Charlie Goodyear, Chronicle Staff Writer
Wednesday, December 13, 2006

At their last meeting of 2006, San Francisco's Board of Supervisors gave preliminary approval Tuesday to one of the grandest development plans in city history, the remaking of the former naval base at Treasure and Yerba Buena islands into a brand new community.

The 10-1 vote allows the city and a development partnership to finalize a binding contract for the project -- pending now for more than a decade -- and should speed transfer of the land from the U.S. Navy.

Under the terms authorized by supervisors, 6,000 homes would be created through private and public financing. Development partners Wilson Meany Sullivan, Lennar Corp. and Kenwood Investments will stake $500 million with the city providing an additional $700 million in bond money financed by property taxes collected once the development is completed. The initial $1.2 billion will pay for the project's infrastructure and some of the proposed housing.

Michael Cohen, Mayor Gavin Newsom's chief aide in charge of redevelopment of military bases, said the development will include the creation of the largest city park since Golden Gate Park was built, a collection of hotels and shops clustered around a new ferry terminal and 1,800 affordable housing units.

The overall plan, Cohen asserted, will "make Treasure Island one of the great destination spots in the world."

But much of the project remains a hopeful experiment with questions about transportation to and from the island, the possible drain on city services by a new neighborhood in the bay and seismic safety still in doubt.

Amendments approved by supervisors on Tuesday mandate board approval of any expenditure of city money for the benefit of the new community.

"We're the ones with the fiduciary responsibility," said Supervisor Jake McGoldrick. "We're the ones with the budget oversight duty."

An amendment offered by Supervisor Chris Daly, whose district includes the project site, would provide rent control protections to the approximately 2,000 residents already living on the island.

The only "no" vote to the project on Tuesday came from the city's newest supervisor, Ed Jew, who voiced concern that the development does not guarantee enough jobs for city residents.

The terms of the project state that 50 percent of the construction and related jobs should be reserved for San Franciscans. Jew said he wanted that percentage to be raised to 75 percent but he did not offer an amendment to implement that change.

Overall completion of the development is scheduled for 2022, with new residents expected to begin moving in by 2013.
Meeting notes

In other action on Tuesday:

-- Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin proposed holding a special meeting on Saturday, Jan. 13, in the city's Richmond District as a way to push Mayor Gavin Newsom to abide by a voter-approved ballot measure urging the mayor to appear monthly before the supervisors to respond to questions.

Newsom has declined to comply with Proposition I, commonly referred to as Question Time. Instead, the mayor has proposed holding his own town-hall-style meetings with residents and invited supervisors to attend, beginning Jan. 13 in the Richmond.

Under Peskin's proposal, which is scheduled to get a hearing Thursday, the supervisors would travel to the site of Newsom's town hall meeting -- and the cost of holding the special session would come out of the mayor's budget.

-- The supervisors unanimously approved a resolution directing the city's Planning Department to institute an 18-month moratorium on changes in use to recreation facilities measuring 15,000 square feet or larger. Recreation advocates are concerned about the possibility of closing the San Francisco Tennis Club, which may be sold to develop condominiums on the South of Market site.

E-mail Charlie Goodyear at cgoodyear@sfchronicle.com.

Page C - 4
URL: http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2006/12/13/BAGQVMUHFC1.DTL
©2006 San Francisco Chronicle

If they manage to pull off what they proposed in their redevelopment plan, this is going to be a really big thing for green development in the US...

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 2 replies

Call For Makers!

2007-02-02T19:38:23Z

Dear Makers,

We are pleased to announce Bay Area Maker Faire 2007!

Organized by the staff of MAKE and CRAFT magazines, Maker Faire is a newfangled fair that brings together science, art, craft an engineering in a fun, energized, and exciting public forum. The aim is to inspire people of all ages to roll up their sleeves and become makers. This family-friendly event showcases the amazing work of all kinds of makers--anyone who is embracing DIY and wants to share their accomplishments with an appreciative audience. Last year, we had 20,000 people at Maker Faire.

Maker Faire Bay Area will take place May 19-20, 2007 at the San Mateo Fairgrounds. We are also adding Maker Faire Austin for October 20-21, 2007 at the Travis County Fairgrounds. This call is primarily for Maker Faire Bay Area but you can indicate if you are interested in participating in Maker Faire Austin.

We encourage you to join the fun and propose a maker exhibit, performance or workshop. You can submit a proposal through the web using the link described below or you can come show us your work at a Maker Faire "audition" on Saturday, February 24 at TechShop in Menlo Park, CA.

http://www.makerfaire.com

Proposals: We invite proposals for Maker workbench exhibits, workshops, presentations and performances for the Maker Faire. We are interested in proposals from individuals as well as from groups such as hobbyist clubs and schools.

Maker Workbench: Our standard setup for Makers is a six-foot long workbench. You can use this workbench to display your work and/or demonstrate how you make something. Some makers don't need workbenches, typically because they have a large object or they set up outside. Please provide a short description of what you make and what you will bring to Maker Faire. Please link to photographs or videos of what you make. Let us know about any requirements you have, such as electricity, Internet, ventilation, etc.

Interactive Performance: We're seeking performances that will engage and entertain the attendees and enable them to interact in a fun way. The performances may be tied to a stage or roving through the fairgrounds as a kind of street theatre. Performances could be musical or theatrical, but they could also be a collaborative building process. For example, you might work with attendees to put something large together in an hour.

Presentation: These includes audio-visual presentations intended for showing a project (or process) that cannot be brought to the faire, or a special project that requires AV resources. These presentations are limited to 20 minutes. Please describe the topic of your presentation and what kind of media (audio/video) that you will have. As a general rule, PowerPoint presentations are not appropriate for this event unless they are unusually entertaining.

Demonstration Workshop: A demonstration workshop is a show-and-tell session on how to make something. We're looking for makers who can demonstrate (and teach) particular skills, techniques or processes. You should start off by explaining your materials and tools and then step-through a build process, sharing your knowledge and interacting with the audience. Sessions should be under 30 minutes in length and may be repeated on the program. Please describe the subject of your workshop and what kind of setup you need for it.

Application Form: Please go to the following URL and fill it out to apply for participation as a maker. http://makerfaire.com/bayarea/2007/proposal/

All proposals will be reviewed and we will notify makers of acceptance via email by March 19, 2007.

NOTE: Presenters whose talks are accepted will receive free registration to Maker Faire. We cannot pay for travel and accommodations. (We do make exceptions under some circumstances.) If you have any questions about participating in Maker Faire, please contact Natalie Villalobos by email: info@makerfaire.com. Please let Natalie know if you plan to come to the audition at TechShop.

Key Points:

* Maker Proposal Due: Midnight (PST): Feb. 27, 2007

* Maker Faire Bay Area Audition: Saturday Feb. 24, 2007

* Notification of Acceptance: March 19, 2006

* Confirmation of Participation: April 2, 2007

* Maker Faire Bay Area: May 19-20, 2007; Saturday 10-6 pm; Sunday 10-5pm.

* Maker Faire Austin: October 20 .. 21, 2007

* Application Form: http://makerfaire.com/bayarea/2007/proposal/

Commercial Exhibitors If you are a commercial maker or you work for a company that would like to exhibit at Maker Faire, please contact Sherry Huss sherry@oreilly.com.

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 0 replies

LEED Platinum

2007-01-30T06:27:31Z

Hey everyone, has anyone worked on a LEED certicication project in San Francisco?

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 0 replies

Construction Project Managers

2007-01-26T07:50:36Z

Hey all of you builders--anyone build a building before?

Laurie

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 0 replies

Some suggestions for ethical gift giving and supporting something positive.

2007-01-19T18:57:04Z

Hello all,

At this time of year it is often tough to find what you want or feel good about giving. Many of us prefer to give gifts that do some good in the world and I would like to offer a suggestion.

The link and search box below will place orders through amazon.com and will let you find most things that you are interested in, including products and sponsorships directly in support of The Realms of Legend, such as our sponsor a tree program.

The Realms of Legend is the project to build a historical and environmental education facility in the style of a themed entertainment venue which will showcase concepts for simpler living, eco friendly living and solutions for many of the problems our society faces in the coming years, all in a format of fun and engaging experiences.

Ordering via the search box at the link below will give the project a small commission and help us pursue the goal of educating a large number of people about the options we have for building a more healthy and sustainable future for all.

If you are looking for a gift that you can be sure will get there on time and allow the recipient to choose what suits them best you might consider one of the gift certificates. The E-Card form is instant and you don't have to waste paper or wait for postal services or you can choose a more traditional hard copy version.

So if you are considering giving some form of gifts during the holiday season or even in the future, please consider using the search box below. Your support will be greatly appreciated.

I hope you all have a very fulfilling holiday season.

http://www.geocities.com/crusader_magnus/index.html?1166117680670

Cheers!

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 2 replies

Radicalizing Student Planners: Speakers... WANTED

2007-01-18T12:25:09Z

Do you have any ideas?

I am organizing the student planning association's line-up at Sonoma State this year, and I am all about radicalizing the minds of these future planners. We are primarily looking to have speakers come to our campus (45 min N of the Golden Gate in Rohnert Park,CA) to talk about planning-related issues. Our fucus this year is SUSTAINABILITY, and talks can be focused on either issues or careers in the field... The main time for speakers will be mid-day on Wednesdays (free organic lunch bonus!), but this is totally adjustable if another time is preferred. Please email me if you are interested in being a speaker, or if you know of someone else in the area who might be available...

We are also open to attending events and taking tours that may help expand our planning consciousness.

Any and all leads are appreciated!

In community,
Lauren Quinn

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 1 reply

Listen

2007-01-18T12:17:45Z

Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News

Nov. 27, 2006 — Some ancient civilizations may have had an ear — not just an eye — for architecture. Two recent studies suggest early builders intentionally added unusual, and often psychedelic, sound effects to their structures.

Some of the most striking examples are at the 1,100-year-old Great Ball Court at Chichen Itza, Mexico, according to David Lubman, who will present findings at the upcoming Fourth Joint Meeting of the Acoustical Society of America and the Acoustical Society of Japan in Hawaii.

Lubman studied the court's acoustic elements, including two "whispering galleries" that allow visitors to hear whispers from 460 feet away.

The feature could have once allowed a king or priest to address crowds of up to 3,000 outside without a microphone, Lubman explained. Music would have carried far.

The sound effects may have also held spiritual significance to players at the court — who were sometimes sacrificed after a defeat, said Lubman.

"Players on the ball court would hear voices but see no one," he explained. "This would seem supernatural to pre-scientific listeners...According to the K'iche' Maya myth called the 'Popol Vuh,' the noises of the ball court play evoked the Lords of the Underworld."

A single ball striking the court would have echoed four times per second, Lubman found.

"I suspect that the flutter echoes sounded like the rattles of a menacing rattlesnake," he said. "(They) must have added an exciting aural element to the deadly drama of the ballgame."

The echoes were made possible by massive, smooth stone walls carefully positioned to reflect sound, similar to today's band shells. The walls at the court are 270 feet long and 28 feet tall.

The whispering galleries work by pushing sound waves along the playing field. The effect is similar to that produced by speaking through a long tube, which conserves sound energy and reduces losses.

Historical writings paint a fuller picture of the games once played at the court, telling of hallucinogenic drugs that may have further heightened the auditory illusions. Fragrant incense has also been unearthed at the site.

Chris Scarre, a professor of archaeology at Durham University in England, recently conducted a survey of acoustical features in ancient structures. He told Discovery News that Lubman's research is "convincing and exciting."

In addition to Mesoamerican structures, Scarre said sound effects can be heard in Paleolithic caves and various European structures, including St. Paul's Cathedral in London, which has a whispering gallery.

"We do not know in detail how (the more ancient) sites were used, and the challenge is to discover a methodology that enables us to construct a convincing argument," Scarre said, adding that he hopes the research "brings sound, music and hearing back into archaeological discussion."

dsc.discovery.com/news/2006...g_arc.html

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 1 reply

Thoughts on Rising Water

2007-01-18T12:09:55Z

"Come gather 'round people
Wherever you roam
And admit that the waters
Around you have grown
And accept it that soon
You'll be drenched to the bone.
If your time to you
Is worth savin'
Then you better start swimmin'
Or you'll sink like a stone
For the times they are a-changin'"

This is just a sounding board for people to express their ideas and feelings in regards to the threat posed by global warming and its effect on the larger glacial sheets, which, if compromised, may very well slip into the ocean and cause a dramatic rise in sea level across the globe. This a thread to discuss plans, and hypotheticals, and brainstorm ways in which we can protect our communities and our heritage in this time of great change.

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 1 reply

Wash DC passes green building legislation

2007-01-10T02:22:27Z

Yay!

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D.C. Council passes green building rules
By Sarah Karush, Associated Press Writer | December 6, 2006

WASHINGTON --Waterless urinals and recycled carpet could become common building features in the nation's capital under green construction legislation passed Tuesday by the District of Columbia Council.

The bill, which is expected to be approved by Mayor Anthony A. Williams, would make Washington the first major city to require private developers to adhere to the standards of the U.S. Green Building Council. Even before the legislation, the district was already on track to open the nation's first green-certified stadium.

The bill passed Tuesday would require all commercial development of 50,000 square feet or more to meet the building council's standards starting in 2012. The requirement applies to both new construction and significant renovations of old buildings.

All city-owned commercial projects funded in 2008 or later would have to attain certification, and district-funded housing projects would be required to follow similar environmental standards. The bill also orders the mayor to adopt separate standards for schools -- which the green building council is now developing.

"I'm told that it's the most comprehensive green building legislation in the U.S.," said D.C. Council member Jim Graham, one of the bill's sponsors. "It doesn't rely simply on platitudes; it really does have requirements."

For the most part, the building council's standards don't mandate that a project incorporate specific features. Rather, they award credits in categories such as site selection, energy and water efficiency, and materials. A building must amass a certain number of credits to be certified.

Some in the construction industry have pushed for the use of an alternative rating system that they say is less expensive and easier to use. But proponents of the building council's system -- called Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED -- say it has built-in flexibility and that the alternative is not stringent enough.

Although Washington would be the first major city to require certification for private construction, it would not be the first local government to do so. Pasadena, Calif., adopted the standards in March, and Montgomery County, Md., did so last month. Eighteen states and 11 federal agencies use the standards for their own projects, said Michelle Moore, a spokeswoman for the Washington-based green building council.

Environmentally friendly buildings can include simple design elements such as abundant natural light -- which can save energy by minimizing the need for artificial light. They can feature windows that open to allow in fresh air, unlike those in most office buildings. Low-emitting carpet and paint can be used to improve indoor air quality.

Green buildings are likely to be equipped with low-flow water fixtures and even, perhaps, no-flush urinals, which use a chemical trap instead of water, Moore said.

Builders can also earn points by recycling materials. Carpet, for instance, is typically replaced in a building every seven years and lasts 20,000 years in a landfill, Moore said. But it can be recycled by shaving the nylon off the top and reusing the backing, she said.

More than 500 new buildings have been certified under LEED, and developers of more than 3,700 projects have declared their intent to meet the standards, which were first released in 2000. Companies such as Ford Motor Co., Toyota Motor Corp. and Nestle SA have certified facilities, as do Harvard and Duke universities and Boston's Logan Airport, said Taryn Holowka, a spokeswoman for the building council.

The new stadium for baseball's Washington Nationals is being built according to the council's standards and is expected to be the nation's first certified stadium, she said.

Critics of the D.C. legislation say the council should have allowed developers to choose between using LEED or an alternative system, known as Green Globes and developed by the Green Building Initiative. But Graham said Green Globes is too permissive.

William Hall, a Washington lawyer who represents building product manufacturers, said it was wrong to give LEED a monopoly on environmental standards. He cited an analysis by D.C. Chief Financial Officer Natwar Gandhi, who concluded that the LEED certification process costs $30,000 per project, while the Green Building Initiative's process costs only $5,000.

Six states, as well as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, recognize Green Globes, which was introduced in the U.S. only last year, as an acceptable alternative to LEED for their own construction, according to the Green Building Initiative.

Alice Sterling, Pasadena's green building coordinator, said reaction to the city's LEED requirements has been positive. She said she is not aware of any project cancelations because of the rules.

"I've had some architects actually express delight because they're able to use their design skills to design sustainable and green buildings," she said.

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On the Net:
U.S. Green Building Council: https://http://www.usgbc.org/
Green Building Initiative: http://www.thegbi.com

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 2 replies

parking garages - help

2007-01-09T07:33:39Z

Does anyone know of, or heard of, or seen a good design for a parking garage and/or parking arrangements associated with commercial centers??? Any help would be much appreciated!

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 10 replies

Environmental Studies: B.A. vs. B.S.

2007-01-09T07:22:18Z

Heya everyone. I had a question for all you college grads out there: I'm trying to decide between a B.A. and a B.S. in Environmental Studies. It seems one curriculum (B.S.) has mostly Calculus, Physics, and Chemistry classes, whereas the other (B.A.) has more broad science-ish classes (think Quantum Reasoning) and Economics. What do you think? Would a B.A. suffice for a building contractor? The curriculum seems much more interesting for the B.A. than the B.S. Is there a substantial monetary difference?

Eager to know your thoughts and opinions,

Xavana

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 9 replies

Kunstler: Making Other Arrangement (for transport & mobility)

2007-01-09T00:08:56Z

This is an excerpt from a longer article. The full article is available on the website (see below).
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Making Other Arrangements
by James Howard Kunstler
Jan/Feb 2007, Orion magazine

AS THE AMERICAN PUBLIC CONTINUES sleepwalking into a future of energy scarcity, climate change, and geopolitical turmoil, we have also continued dreaming. Our collective dream is one of those super-vivid ones people have just before awakening. It is a particularly American dream on a particularly American theme: how to keep all the cars running by some other means than gasoline. We'll run them on ethanol! We'll run them on biodiesel, on synthesized coal liquids, on hydrogen, on methane gas, on electricity, on used French-fry oil . . . !

The dream goes around in fevered circles as each gasoline replacement is examined and found to be inadequate. But the wish to keep the cars going is so powerful that round and round the dream goes. Ethanol! Biodiesel! Coal liquids . . .
…
Still, the widespread wish persists that some combination of alternative fuels will rescue us from this oil and gas predicament and allow us to continue enjoying by some other means what Vice-President Cheney has called the "non-negotiable" American way of life. The truth is that no combination of alternative fuels or systems for using them will allow us to continue running America, or even a substantial fraction of it, the way we have been. We are not going to run Wal-Mart, Walt Disney World, Monsanto, and the Interstate Highway System on any combination of solar or wind energy, hydrogen, ethanol, tar sands, oil shale, methane hydrates, nuclear power, thermal depolymerization, "zero-point" energy, or anything else you can name. We will desperately use many of these things in many ways, but we are likely to be disappointed in what they can actually do for us.

The key to understanding the challenge we face is admitting that we have to comprehensively make other arrangements for all the normal activities of everyday life. I will return to this theme shortly, but first it is important to try to account for the extraordinary amount of delusional thinking that currently dogs our collective ability to think about these problems.

The widespread wish to just uncouple from oil and gas and plug all our complex systems into other energy sources is an interesting and troubling enough phenomenon in its own right to merit some discussion. Perhaps the leading delusion is the notion that energy and technology are one and the same thing, interchangeable.
….
Of course, the single worst impediment to clear thinking among most individuals and organizations in America today is the obsession with keeping the cars running at all costs. Even the environmental community is guilty of this. The esteemed Rocky Mountain Institute ran a project for a decade to design and develop a "hyper-car" capable of getting supernaturally fabulous mileage, in the belief that this would be an ecological benefit. The short-sightedness of this venture? It only promoted the idea that we could continue to be a car-dependent society; the project barely gave nodding recognition to the value of walkable communities and public transit.

The most arrant case of collective cluelessness now on view is our failure to even begin a public discussion about fixing the U.S. passenger railroad system, which has become so decrepit that the Bulgarians would be ashamed of it. It's the one thing we could do right away that would have a substantial impact on our oil use. The infrastructure is still out there, rusting in the rain, waiting to be fixed. The restoration of it would employ hundreds of thousands of Americans at all levels of meaningful work. The fact that we are hardly even talking about it—at any point along the political spectrum, left, right, or center—shows how fundamentally un-serious we are.

This is just not good enough. It is not worthy of our history, our heritage, or the sacrifices that our ancestors made. It is wholly incompatible with anything describable as our collective responsibility to the future.

Full text at:
http://www.oriononline.org/pages/om/07-1om/Kunstler.html

posted in Radical Urban Planners - 0 replies