Denver's Union Station Fountains Already Attracting Kids

This photo from the great folks at Denver Infill shows that even though the actual building isn't open yet, the new fountain plaza at Denver Union Station is already attracting kiddos! Fabulous evolution of this iconic project.

Photo by Ken Schroeppel of Denver Infill.

From Denver: Safe Routes to School and Light Rail Safety Video

Safe Routes to School and the City of Lakewood, outside of Denver, CO, put together this wonderful video for children about light rail safety. Not only does it teach children how to safely cross light rail tracks while biking or walking to school, it teaches them how to safely ride light rail! Love it!!

Family Friendly Urbanism Gallery Exhibit Opening!

Come one, come all! Join me at AIA Seattle this Thursday for a glass of wine and some Family Friendly Urbanism!

What: Gallery Exhibit Opening, showcasing my research into how to make cities more family-friendly

When: Thursday, March 7^th, 5-7 pm*

Where: AIA Seattle, 1911 1^st Avenue

 *Can’t make it on Thursday? The gallery exhibit will be up through the end of April. Alas, Thursday is the only night for free wine.

From the Bronx: Lyman Street Play Street

This is a wonderful snapshot slideshow and audio compilation of what a play street can do for a lower income community where outdoor recreation space is limited.

The Lyman Street Play Street in the Bronx has been organized for 33 years by Hetty Fox. Read more about it here in the NYTimes article.

Great article from The Atlantic Cities: Building Cities for the Families of Today

Here's a great article about the changing nature of families in the US. What does this mean for the design of our cities? There will be fewer "traditional" families, and thus, fewer "traditional family neighborhoods." With the majority of children being raised by two parents in the workforce, convenience of amenities such as daycare and school are essential to time and money saving. Dense, urban neighborhoods that evolve and adapt to meet the needs of families with children, singles, and the elderly, will be the most vibrant and successful. It is the neighborhoods that only cater to one type of user that will falter.

Building Cities for the Families of Today