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 […]
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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Vibrant Spaces: Antigua Guatemala

Vibrant Spaces: Antigua, Guatemala Guatemala is a mystery destination for many people. In the recent past there were years of civil war that kept it out of the travel list for all but the young and daring back packers. It is still a third world country just finding its way into mainstream tourism. The lure […]
It’s about the Journey

It’s about the Journey Are you one of the people who arrives in a destination and immediately embarks on an exploratory walk? I have arrived in places at odd hours, after long fights, still itching to wander. Belize City on a blazing afternoon, Sydney Australia after a 24-hour flight – leaping the time meridian – […]