Friday Reads and Links

Much of Besim Hakim's published work, a highly recommended read for anyone with the slightest interest in emergent urbanism, urban history and architecture, is available here (additional links at bottom of page) and is now added to the permanent links.  More to say about his work in future posts.

Murcia, Spain, offers to accept cars in exchange for lifetime transit passes.  I'd had the chance to visit Murcia, and if there's a country with an overall better and more livable urbanism and urban tradition than Spain, I'd like to hear where it is.

Old but still relevant: Ivan Illich's observations on walking, cars, bikes and the transportation industry.

The front lawn story out of Oak Park has sparked some critical reflection on the American front lawn from a variety of quarters.  Time's Brad Tuttle observes:

"...Space hogs, water suckers and giant leaf collectors that have to be blown, mown and doused in chemicals with a great ruckus to look good, what is the point of a lawn other than to say: we have land, time and money to waste?"

Scrutinizing Seattle's setback requirements, Seattle's Land Use Code asks:

"But I do wonder why do we require yards anyway? Shouldn’t we treat yards like parking? If people want yards then they can pay for them. Why build that in to requirements? ... Yards should be next on our list after parking in terms of code reform."

Chuck Wolfe has a thoughtful article on lawns which graciously links my earlier piece on the American front lawn.  Walkable Dallas-Fort Worth has more to add as well.  I've already mentioned The Case Against the American Front Lawn at Apartment Therapy and The Great (Big) American Lawn at Per Square Mile.