Circular Sustainability Economy
What does this mean to you? A circular economy is based on sharing, leasing, repairing, and so on. The circle is: make, reuse, remake, recycle. A real-world example on a micro level is a barter fair, I had the pleasure of attending one in Leavenworth, WA. Rosie Ridge Barter Faire: There were about a […]
Palo Alto Paradox
Palo Alto Paradox A funny thing happened on the way to the core apple store. Driving into the heart of Silicon Valley, where the tech beat began, I started out touring the grounds of Stanford University and then traveled along their palm tree-lined boulevard, under the freeway, popping up on the main street of Downtown […]
Wenatchee Vibe
On a trip to Wenatchee, Washington I decided to do some exploring in the Downtown area. Wenatchee is situated in the dry and productive Columbia River valley, with a similar look to my home stomping grounds of Kamloops, BC. Being a continuation of the Canadian Okanagan valley, fruit orchards and vineyards abound. Driving into the […]
How Does Your Garden Grow?
How Does Your Garden Grow? Funny how your mind wanders from one place to another, seemingly random at times. While puttering around in my garden this Spring, watering some newly planted veggie seedlings, I was reflecting on how much I enjoy gardening. Planting new seeds of life, watering, tending, and feeding them fertilizer for their […]
Community Planning
Community Planning Community Planning does not rest on the shoulders of one entity. There are many people, businesses and organizations that must work together to develop a community. Neighbourhood Plans Developing neighbourhood plans takes a substantial amount of time. You must involve everyone who uses the neighbourhood: Businesses, residents, and visitors. Business Improvement Associations have a role to play. -Facilitating conversations; bringing businesses together with each other and […]
Community Squares – Merida, Mexico
Community Squares – Merida, Mexico Central Squares are the Heart of Vibrant Cities Latin culture is wonderfully social. The practice of gathering in public spaces to socialize is ingrained in their daily lives. Community squares are designed into their cities to serve as their social and cultural heart. The activation that North American place makers work to cultivate, naturally […]
Silver Linings for Public Space Strategy
Silver Linings for Public Space Strategy Right now, we are looking at a silver lining opportunity not to be missed. Previous strategies on public space have been turned upside down during the pandemic. Acceptance of more public use of sidewalks Businesses utilizing parking spaces that were previously sacrosanct Regulations have been relaxed, open to new ideas. Cooperation between business and […]
Building on Recovery for Urban Place Management – By IDA
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Destination Leavenworth, Washington
Destination Done Right Leavenworth Washington must have the most insanely robust design guidelines anywhere! At some point the planners in this town of only 2000 decided that their community should be themed in a Bavarian style. It is truly an example of destination development done well. They chose a theme and committed to it completely. […]
Successful Pedestrian Malls
Successful Pedestrian Malls Pedestrianized streets work extremely well if done the right way, in the right place at the right time. After strolling streets in many cities, it is apparent that the three key elements required are: design, critical mass of pedestrians and a diverse mix of engaged businesses. Design The best streets tend to […]