Category: Uncategorized
-
From Trading Path to Transit Mall to… ? The Life of Tryon Street
Walk down Tryon Street on any given afternoon and you are moving through one of the most layered landscapes in the American South. Glass towers reflect clouds overhead. A food truck idles near a mid-century bank facade. Somebody’s grandmother waits for a bus in the same spot where, a few centuries ago, a Catawba trader…
-
Love Note to the Queen City
This February, we’re sharing our love for Charlotte and the places that make it special. How you feel about your city depends on many factors—but most of them are tied to urban design! Well-being, belonging, and connection are amplified in public spaces, from streets to neighborhood coffee shops. Good urban design gives these spaces what…
-
Holiday Gifts to the Street: How the Season Reveals the Best of City Design
A kid obsessed with the Holiday Season For those that know me well, it’s no secret that I love the holidays. I was the kid that would watch old holiday movies like White Christmas and Miracle on 34th Street every year (multiple times, too!) while members of my family would roll their eyes. That obsession…
-
Urbies 2025 Recap: Celebrating 5 Years of Urban Design Excellence
On Thursday, October 23, the City of Charlotte Urban Design Center, in partnership with the UNC Charlotte David R. Ravin School of Architecture and Charlotte Center City Partners, hosted the fifth annual Urban Design Awards, affectionately known as The Urbies. Held at the Urban Design Center’s South End Studio, the event brought together designers, planners,…
-
Welcoming the Newest Team Members to the Urban Design Center
The Urban Design Center is thrilled to welcome two new team members who bring fresh perspectives, diverse experiences, and a shared passion for shaping accessible and vibrant urban spaces. Dhanya Mamallan: Associate Urban Designer & Planner Originally from Chennai, India—a city known for its rich cultural heritage and dynamic urban life—Dhanya brings a global lens…
-
Rethinking Cities for Everyone: How Queer Urbanism Makes Cities Safer
Written by Ria Naab Since 2000, June has been nationally recognized as Pride Month in memory of the Stonewall Riots on June 28, 1969. The events began as protests in support of LGBTQ+ rights. Per the Human Rights Campaign Glossary, LGBTQ+ is an acronym that stands for “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (or “questioning”),”…
-
2025 Urban Design Awards
Nominations for the 2025 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…
-
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…
-
Harnessing the Power of Place
Written by Jen Baehr – Charlotte Historic Preservation Honoring Charlotte’s Historic Landmarks Every year in May, local historic preservation groups, historical societies, businesses, and civic organizations across the country celebrate Preservation Month. This year’s theme, “Harnessing the Power of Place,” recognizes the many ways that preservation work strengthens communities, revitalizes neighborhoods, supports sustainability, and connects…