Cities

The new challenges for urban plannersIn MIT talk, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan emphasizes the need for creative urbanism in a time of economic strain.

Study shows that people organize daily travel efficientlyA population-level study discovers small-scale details about individuals’ choices.

Are we purging the poorest?In a new book, MIT urbanist Lawrence Vale examines the downsizing of public housing.

Building the new New Orleans, block by blockMIT urbanist’s new book shows how active neighborhood communities helped revitalize the city after Hurricane Katrina.

Building a better big boxMIT architect Alexander D’Hooghe looks to remake suburbs and other neighborhoods with ‘more intelligent’ designs.

Introducing the Center for Advanced UrbanismCreating new models for 21st century cities

Creating tomorrow's home: 'Soft' but resilientMIT-led team’s award-winning housing design unveiled as part of 21st-century model for sustainable urban development

Hard times in ChicagoMIT anthropologist’s new book recounts the painful aftermath when steel plants suddenly closed in the American heartland.

Tweeting the cityIn 2012, the School of Architecture + Planning conducted a series of real-time interactive forums on urban issues.

The hidden history of Bengali HarlemMIT professor’s new book details the overlooked waves of South Asian immigrants to the United States.

Cellphone data helps pinpoint source of traffic tie-upsStudy: Congestion can be alleviated throughout a metropolitan area by altering the trips of drivers in specific neighborhoods.

A winning vision for the future of urban mobilityYoon and partner awarded grand prize in international competition.

In profile: Seeing the lightArchitect Christoph Reinhart studies how buildings — and whole communities — can use daylight to become more energy-efficient.

In profile: Chris ZegrasMIT urban planner builds tools that help designers make cities cleaner and greener.

Survey: Latin American and Asian cities lead way in planning for global warmingU.S. cities trail when it comes to preparing for climate change.

A design to save American citiesIn new book, urban studies professor Brent Ryan says shrinking American cities should stop emulating the suburbs and start supporting creative rebuilding ideas.

Lots of troubleIn a new book, an MIT urban planner rethinks the mundane, ubiquitous parking lot.

‘Storm of the Century?’ Try ‘Storm of the Decade’With climate change, today’s ‘100-year floods’ may happen every three to 20 years, according to new research.

New books from the School of Architecture + PlanningAddressing the environment, cities, architecture, angry people and ‘Creative Magic’

3 Questions: Dennis Frenchman on making cities sustainableHow the form of urban spaces adds to the energy they use.

3 Questions: Amy Glasmeier on rebuilding after disaster hitsFrom tornadoes to flooding, nature has taken a heavy toll in America this year. What are the challenges cities like Joplin and Tuscaloosa will face while rebuilding?

Chicago hopeAmbitious attempt to help the city’s poor by moving them out of troubled housing projects is having mixed results, MIT study finds.

3 Questions: Lawrence Vale on rebuilding HaitiAn MIT urban design expert explains why devastated cities are nearly always rebuilt — but why Haiti faces special challenges to reconstruction.