Interested in how Urban Design makes cities better for everyone? Our blog explores topics ranging from local Charlotte projects to global design solutions. You can find all of our past blogs here!
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Public Space in Poland: An Exploration of Third Places
Written by Justin Ritchey Imagine wandering through a narrow city street, rough cobblestone at your feet, colorful storefronts on either side with donuts and pastries in the windows. People are sitting outside, coffee in hand, talking with a good friend. As you approach the end of the street, it opens into a large square lined… Read more
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Historic Preservation Harnessing the Power of Place
Preservation work strengthens communities, revitalizes neighborhoods, supports sustainability, and connects us through shared history. Featured are in-depth stories of the people and events that make each local landmark special and significant to Charlotte’s history. Read more
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Biking Around Charlotte
Written by Kara O’Hearn Imagine you are biking along one of the many greenway routes in Charlotte with large, lush trees offering refuge from the sun and a brambling creek at your side with kids running around, families walking side by side and others pausing to soak in the linear enclave of nature within the… Read more
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Building Better Cities: The Triple Bottom Line in Urban Design
Written by Chad Cramer What is the Triple Bottom Line (TBL)? Decisions are often driven by a predominant metric—the bottom line. We frequently hear decisions framed with questions like: How much will it cost? How much profit will it generate? This approach can be problematic, as prioritizing economic return often comes at the expense of… Read more
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MPact Philly: History, Art, and Partnerships
Written by Madison Dugar Philadelphia is a city where history meets innovation. Known as the birthplace of the United States, it has evolved into a hub of diverse cultures. With one of the largest and oldest transit systems in the country, SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority), Philadelphia serves as an ideal setting to explore the… Read more
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New Faces, Fresh Perspectives
The Charlotte Urban Design Center Welcomes Dynamic Team Members The City of Charlotte’s Urban Design Center continues to strengthen its commitment to creating vibrant, people-centered spaces with the addition of three talented professionals to their team. These new hires bring diverse backgrounds in architecture, urban design, and placemaking, reinforcing Charlotte’s dedication to thoughtful urban development.… Read more
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Hope Amongst the Rubble: Urban Resilience in Western Carolina
Opportunities for Urban Resilience in Western North Carolina in the Face of Climate Catastrophe A Climate Haven Under Strain Hurricane Helene’s unprecedented and catastrophic damage revealed Western North Carolina’s vulnerability and placed it on the national stage. For years, Asheville has been seen as a climate haven, a place expected to avoid the worst effects… Read more
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Recap: the 2024 Urban Design Awards
The City of Charlotte Urban Design Center and the UNC Charlotte David R. Ravin School of Architecture presented the city’s fourth annual Urban Design Awards, also known as the Urbies, on Thursday, November 7th in a ceremony dedicated to showcasing excellent urban design. The awards program is a yearly recognition and celebration of quality urban… Read more
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Meet Charlotte: Our New Project Manager!
We’re thrilled to announce the newest addition to our Urban Design Center: Charlotte Lamb Kuuskvere! With her extensive experience in urban planning and design, Charlotte is set to make a significant impact in her role as Project Manager and Urban Designer. A Charlotte Native with a Diverse Professional Background Born and raised in Charlotte, Charlotte’s… Read more
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2024 Urban Design Awards
Nominations for the 2024 Urban Design Awards are now open. Affectionately dubbed the “Urbies,” this Urban Design Center-led awards program aims to recognize, celebrate and champion quality urban design in Charlotte while encouraging continued community discussion around what makes for unique and great places. Over the next two weeks, residents have the opportunity to nominate… Read more
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2024 National Planning Conference: Minneapolis
In April 2024, the Urban Design Center’s Justin Ritchey was selected to attend the 2024 National Planning Conference in Minneapolis. Here is his review of the experience. Minneapolis – How the Built Environment Can Make a Happy City When Minneapolis comes to mind, you probably think of snow, frigid winters, and icy lakes. Or maybe… Read more
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Meet the UDC’s 2024 Summer Interns!
Please join us in welcoming our newest interns – Daniel Durant and Sanchana Viswanathan! Daniel is a rising junior at NC A&T University studying Landscape Architecture while Sanchana will be starting her final year in NC State’s Master of Architecture program. While they’ve only been here a handful of weeks, they’re already showing their abilities… Read more