Tag: Charlotte
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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…
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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”),”…
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2025 Urban Design Awards Nominations
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…
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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…
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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.
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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.…