Paul Kalbfleisch’s Post

Public squares play a crucial role in shaping vibrant and sustainable urban environments. In my latest article, I explore their impact on community connectivity, cultural exchange, and the future of urban planning. Check out the full piece to understand why these open spaces are more essential than ever in our cities. 🏙️ Read more: https://lnkd.in/duX5GJ49 #UrbanPlanning #PublicSquare #CityDesign #Sustainability #Urbanism"

🌆 Unlocking Urban Living: Explore the untapped potential of micro-housing in this latest article! Dive into the innovative solutions reshaping urban centers and discover how compact living spaces are revolutionizing city life. Don't miss out on the future of housing! #microhousing #urbanliving #innovation https://lnkd.in/d3Bwmb2e

Urban Rooms are fascinating arenas for community engagement in urban planning 🏙️. These dynamic spaces are designed for residents to delve into the past, present, and future of their cities. I appreciate these initiatives that not only enable public participation in shaping urban landscapes but also weave sustainability and inclusivity into the very core of urban development 🌱. What are your thoughts on the impact of Urban Rooms on city planning? #UrbanDevelopment #CommunityEngagement #SustainableCities

How Can We Redefine Urban Living for the Next Generation? As our cities continue to evolve, the challenge of creating urban spaces that meet the needs of diverse populations becomes more pressing. My latest article in the Summer 2024 edition of UrbanLand Magazine delves into this very issue. I discuss how reactivating urban cores and transforming them into vibrant, accessible districts is key to community restoration. By integrating dining, retail, office spaces, entertainment, green spaces, and affordable housing into a cohesive urban fabric, we can create neighborhoods that truly serve their residents. In the article, I explore the concept of place-led housing, which goes beyond viewing homes as mere physical structures. These dwellings are integral components of a larger ecosystem where residents connect with each other and their surroundings. This approach emphasizes equity and inclusivity, ensuring that people of all ages, incomes, and backgrounds have access to safe and dignified housing. The article also highlights innovative projects like the Riverfront District in Wichita, Kansas, T3 ATX Eastside in Austin, Texas, and Freedom West Homes in San Francisco. These developments exemplify how thoughtful design can elevate the urban experience and create dynamic hubs where residents effortlessly blend living, working, and leisure activities—all while embracing sustainability and community connection. If you’re curious about how we can redefine urban living for the next generation, I invite you to explore the full article in UrbanLand Magazine. https://lnkd.in/gzcZUM9Z #UrbanLand #Placemaking #UrbanDevelopment #Housing #Community #DLRGroup Matthew Heller Kimberly Askin Brian Arial DLR Group

🌆 Revitalizing Urban Spaces: Innovative Redevelopment Strategies 🌱 I’m excited to share my latest blog post on urban redevelopment and how innovative strategies can breathe new life into our cities. From transforming underutilized spaces to fostering sustainable development, the blog explores ideas that can create vibrant, inclusive, and thriving urban communities. 👉 Check out the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gchmQ4bu Urban spaces are more than just physical environments—they’re the heart of our communities. By reimagining how we use and interact with these spaces, we can unlock opportunities for growth, connection, and sustainability. I’d love to hear your thoughts! What strategies do you think are most impactful in shaping the cities of tomorrow? #UrbanRedevelopment #CityPlanning #Sustainability #Innovation

Imagine walking through a city where every corner tells a story, where every street invites you to linger, and where every neighborhood feels like home. This is the vision of transformative placemaking—a revolutionary approach to urban development that goes beyond just building structures; it creates vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable communities. Read more : Blueprint for the cities of tomorrow in my latest article. #UrbanDesign #Placemaking #InclusiveCities #SustainableDevelopment #UrbanPlanning #TransformativePlacemaking #CityDevelopment

#Urban #streets have always served as dynamic hubs of activity, evolving over time to meet the diverse needs of city dwellers. From bustling transportation routes to vibrant social spaces, streets have played a crucial role in shaping the fabric of our cities. In the early twentieth century, streets were not only thoroughfares but also served as communal gathering spots, where neighbors socialized and children played alongside vendors and markets. However, this diverse mix of activities posed challenges for safety, sanitation, and mobility. In response, reformers initiated changes in #streetdesign and #zoning, focusing on improving safety, sanitation, and mobility while promoting economic growth. Over time, #street #design evolved to prioritize motor vehicle movement, leading to unsustainable development patterns and environmental degradation. In recent years, there has been a shift towards more balanced street design, emphasizing transportation, #community, and environmental goals. Investment in high-quality street #infrastructure has shown to yield benefits beyond mobility, including improved public health and economic prosperity. The Street Design #Manual draws on global innovation in street design, materials, and lighting, serving as a flexible guide for creating vibrant and sustainable urban environments. Its continued development ensures that cities like New York remain at the forefront of urban innovation, fostering a greener and more prosperous future. #SDGs #geometry #furniture #urbanplanning #sustainability More Contents: Woongsik Dr. Su, MBA

CITY AS LAB CITY AS LIFE Earlier this week I had a great online meeting with Carlos Moreno and Catherine Arod-Gall, specifically to talk with them about the various misconceptions and misunderstandings of the 15-minute city. The misconceptions are diverse (and sometimes deliberate) and, as we discussed, at this point it is clear that some of the more controversial and reactions are simply not to be engaged. However, this doesn't dismiss the fact that there is much to discuss in looking at the challenges of implementation and adaption of the 15minC. 🚫 The 15-minute city, as anyone paying attention knows, is not about restricting freedom but quite conversely, providing more access to the city for different inhabitants and in particular improving local quality of life in communities 🚫 The 15-minute city, contrary to some people's interpretation, is not about everyone moving at exactly the same speed. 💡 As Catherine noted during our talk, 'Any urban transformation brings risk to support' and here the time element is a passage, for some, of misunderstanding. 🧑🦼 The 15mC model at its very foundation addresses multi-community needs and mobility needs of diverse individuals. It is a mistake to latch on to the idea that the model is about everyone moving at the same speed to reach destinations in exactly 15 minutes. The concept and model is much more nuanced and rich than this simplification. Prioritizing diverse services, amenities and spatial features within a 15 minute radius is about prioritizing an inclusive approach to urbanism that in many settings has been neglected or outright abandoned. The idea with the 15mC is to set up new road map and new compass for city resilience and repositioning the role of urban planning within governance. I highly recommend reading seminal literature on the topic especially if you are a critic, advocate and/or researcher of the concept. Also recommended is reading on the 5-minute neighborhood concept, 20-minute neighborhood concept as well as diverse historic planning paradigms that serve as precedents for different visions of proximity planning and local urbanism. Introducing the “15-Minute City”: Sustainability, Resilience and Place Identity in Future Post-Pandemic Cities by Carlos Moreno, Zaheer Allam, PhD, Didier Chabaud, Catherine Arod-Gall & Florent PRATLONG https://lnkd.in/dScgBuT5 Also recommended reading: Decoding the 15-Minute City Debate: Conspiracies, Backlash, and Dissent in Planning for Proximity by Oriol Marquet Isabelle Anguelovski, Samuel Nello-Deakin & Jordi Honey-Rosés https://lnkd.in/dJUjUkjY I look forward to publishing my research on the 15mC as manifest at neighborhood level in Warsaw and insight I have gained thru a community-engaged approach in Poland's capital. Below are some posts I have documented over the years as I have begun to engage with this topic, 1st as an inhabitant of the city, later as a researcher. https://lnkd.in/d6-g-8b6 #15minutecity

🌆 Rethinking Urban Design for Happiness 🌆 I recently read Happy City by Charles Montgomery, which explores how urban design impacts our well-being. Here are some key insights that resonated with me: Isolation vs. Connection: Suburban sprawl often leads to loneliness. I completely agree that cities should promote social interactions through walkable spaces. Commuting Stress: Long commutes can diminish happiness. I resonate with the idea that compact, accessible cities can improve life satisfaction, making our daily lives more enjoyable. Nature Matters: Access to green spaces is essential for mental health. I wholeheartedly agree with Montgomery’s emphasis on incorporating nature into urban design for overall happiness. Equitable Design: Inclusive urban planning is crucial. I agree that ensuring everyone benefits from city amenities should be a priority in city planning. While I appreciate the insights in this book, I do have some reservations. For instance, I wonder if the emphasis on walkability might overlook the needs of those who rely on cars due to factors like location or personal circumstances. Additionally, creating equitable urban spaces can be challenging in economically diverse areas, and the solutions may require more nuance. Montgomery makes a compelling case for designing cities that prioritize well-being and community. Let’s advocate for urban design that enhances our lives! 🌍💚 #UrbanDesign #HappyCity #Sustainability #Community