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• 1. [Article] Metropolitan Centers: Evaluating Local Implementation of Regional Plans and Policies

  The Denver and Salt Lake City Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) have embarked upon regional visioning strategies that promote development around higher density, mixed use centers with current ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Metropolitan Centers: Evaluating Local Implementation of Regional Plans and Policies Author: Margerum, Richard D., Bartholomew, Keith, Lewis, Rebecca, Parker, Robert, Dobrinich, Stephen Year: 2017 The Denver and Salt Lake City Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) have embarked upon regional visioning strategies that promote development around higher density, mixed use centers with current or future access to transit. This study examines the programs and policies in the Salt Lake City and Denver regions to examine regional vision influence on local planning and the opportunities and constraints facing centers. The research team analyzed local plans over the past several decades, interviewed planners, and examined demographic, land use and transportation characteristics in select centers across the region. We found that the regional vision had a moderate influence on local planning, due to vague definitions and criteria. However, light rail investment and market forces have had a more substantial influence—resulting in cities developing supportive transit oriented development policies. While over 100 centers have been designated, many face significant challenges to support regional goals, particularly because many light rail lines were located along rail and freeway alignments. A limited number of “tipping point centers” already contain the necessary elements to be successful with city and private investment. Many “greenfield centers” offer significant future opportunity for development, but their suburban location and infrastructure needs present significant costs and challenges. Many other “redevelopment centers” are dominated by industrial, commercial or office development, and the land use and transportation patterns within these centers present substantial hurdles that may limit their potential to achieve regional goals. Title: Metropolitan Centers: Evaluating Local Implementation of Regional Plans and Policies Author: Margerum, Richard D., Bartholomew, Keith, Lewis, Rebecca, Parker, Robert, Dobrinich, Stephen Year: 2017 The Denver and Salt Lake City Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) have embarked upon regional visioning strategies that promote development around higher density, mixed use centers with current or future access to transit. This study examines the programs and policies in the Salt Lake City and Denver regions to examine regional vision influence on local planning and the opportunities and constraints facing centers. The research team analyzed local plans over the past several decades, interviewed planners, and examined demographic, land use and transportation characteristics in select centers across the region. We found that the regional vision had a moderate influence on local planning, due to vague definitions and criteria. However, light rail investment and market forces have had a more substantial influence—resulting in cities developing supportive transit oriented development policies. While over 100 centers have been designated, many face significant challenges to support regional goals, particularly because many light rail lines were located along rail and freeway alignments. A limited number of “tipping point centers” already contain the necessary elements to be successful with city and private investment. Many “greenfield centers” offer significant future opportunity for development, but their suburban location and infrastructure needs present significant costs and challenges. Many other “redevelopment centers” are dominated by industrial, commercial or office development, and the land use and transportation patterns within these centers present substantial hurdles that may limit their potential to achieve regional goals. Close

• 2. [Article] Urban Forms : An Introduction to the Concept and a Review of Some Factors which Influence the Shape of the Community

  The growth of the Portland metropolitan area can continue as it has in the past or it can be guided into one of a number of regional development patterns. This study will attempt to assess the values of ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Urban Forms : An Introduction to the Concept and a Review of Some Factors which Influence the Shape of the Community Author: Multnomah County Planning Commission Year: 1967 The growth of the Portland metropolitan area can continue as it has in the past or it can be guided into one of a number of regional development patterns. This study will attempt to assess the values of several possible forms of development and some policies needed for their implementation. Title: Urban Forms : An Introduction to the Concept and a Review of Some Factors which Influence the Shape of the Community Author: Multnomah County Planning Commission Year: 1967 The growth of the Portland metropolitan area can continue as it has in the past or it can be guided into one of a number of regional development patterns. This study will attempt to assess the values of several possible forms of development and some policies needed for their implementation. Close

• 3. [Article] Mandating Density: The Blunt Instrument of Smart Growth

  This essay expresses concern that urban growth management places too heavy a reliance on densification, particularly upzoning with minimum density requirements in suburban infill situations. Increasing ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Mandating Density: The Blunt Instrument of Smart Growth Author: Dueker, Kenneth Year: 2002 This essay expresses concern that urban growth management places too heavy a reliance on densification, particularly upzoning with minimum density requirements in suburban infill situations. Increasing densities may be appropriate when other aspects of urban development can be controlled through urban design. However, evidence provided here indicates that mandating density reduces land consumption, but does not achieve other objectives of growth management, particularly street connectivity, greater use of alternative modes of transportation, and more housing choices. This analysis finds that upzoning and requiring minimum-densities, when used to regulate suburban residential infill developments, is not effective in producing quality compact development. Instead it is resulting in small-lot single-family developments that can only be accessed by cul-de-sac designs augmented by shared driveways. Incentive based approaches to increase density may be preferable. This analysis raises concern about placing too much emphasis on densification as a policy tool for “smart growth.” Too much attention and effort is expended on increasing density of development and there is little evidence of benefits of doing so. The positive aspects of density results from favorable market forces, rather than regulatory forces. Title: Mandating Density: The Blunt Instrument of Smart Growth Author: Dueker, Kenneth Year: 2002 This essay expresses concern that urban growth management places too heavy a reliance on densification, particularly upzoning with minimum density requirements in suburban infill situations. Increasing densities may be appropriate when other aspects of urban development can be controlled through urban design. However, evidence provided here indicates that mandating density reduces land consumption, but does not achieve other objectives of growth management, particularly street connectivity, greater use of alternative modes of transportation, and more housing choices. This analysis finds that upzoning and requiring minimum-densities, when used to regulate suburban residential infill developments, is not effective in producing quality compact development. Instead it is resulting in small-lot single-family developments that can only be accessed by cul-de-sac designs augmented by shared driveways. Incentive based approaches to increase density may be preferable. This analysis raises concern about placing too much emphasis on densification as a policy tool for “smart growth.” Too much attention and effort is expended on increasing density of development and there is little evidence of benefits of doing so. The positive aspects of density results from favorable market forces, rather than regulatory forces. Close

• 4. [Article] Agent-Based Model Simulating Pedestrian Behavioral Response to Environmental Structural Changes

  Our research focused on understanding the travel behavior of individuals in complex urban environments. Specifically, we investigated how land use patterns and infrastructure influence how individuals ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Agent-Based Model Simulating Pedestrian Behavioral Response to Environmental Structural Changes Author: Lobben, Amy, Bone, Christopher Year: 2016 Our research focused on understanding the travel behavior of individuals in complex urban environments. Specifically, we investigated how land use patterns and infrastructure influence how individuals across a broad range of travel abilities navigate through urban landscapes. Our overall project goal was to develop a transportation planning tool that allows users to simulate pedestrian travel behavior. The tool was built on a computation model that was developed through rigorous measures and observations of pedestrian travel behavior. Our definition of pedestrian includes a broad perspective as one of our aspirations through this project was to expand the definition of what constitutes livability for all citizens. Through the help of project collaborators, we recruited and included people with disabilities in our measurement and modeling research. This research was conducted through a four-stage research plan. Stages one and two included testing with and observation of research participants. In stage one, we asked participants to complete a sit-down test that measures demographics and cognitive travel decision-making. In stage two, we asked the same group of participants to conduct travel activities in an urban landscape. Stage three included using the measures and observations gathered through stages one and two to generate a computational model of pedestrian travel behavior. The final stage, four, focused on developing an easy-to-use interface that will allow transportation planners to directly interact with the pedestrian model developed in stage three. Title: Agent-Based Model Simulating Pedestrian Behavioral Response to Environmental Structural Changes Author: Lobben, Amy, Bone, Christopher Year: 2016 Our research focused on understanding the travel behavior of individuals in complex urban environments. Specifically, we investigated how land use patterns and infrastructure influence how individuals across a broad range of travel abilities navigate through urban landscapes. Our overall project goal was to develop a transportation planning tool that allows users to simulate pedestrian travel behavior. The tool was built on a computation model that was developed through rigorous measures and observations of pedestrian travel behavior. Our definition of pedestrian includes a broad perspective as one of our aspirations through this project was to expand the definition of what constitutes livability for all citizens. Through the help of project collaborators, we recruited and included people with disabilities in our measurement and modeling research. This research was conducted through a four-stage research plan. Stages one and two included testing with and observation of research participants. In stage one, we asked participants to complete a sit-down test that measures demographics and cognitive travel decision-making. In stage two, we asked the same group of participants to conduct travel activities in an urban landscape. Stage three included using the measures and observations gathered through stages one and two to generate a computational model of pedestrian travel behavior. The final stage, four, focused on developing an easy-to-use interface that will allow transportation planners to directly interact with the pedestrian model developed in stage three. Close

• 5. [Article] Urbanism Next: How Technology is Changing Our City

  Advances in technology such as the advent of autonomous vehicles (AV’s), the rise of E-commerce, and the proliferation of the sharing economy are having profound effects not only on how we live, move, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Urbanism Next: How Technology is Changing Our City Author: Larco, Nico Year: 2017 Advances in technology such as the advent of autonomous vehicles (AV’s), the rise of E-commerce, and the proliferation of the sharing economy are having profound effects not only on how we live, move, and spend our time in cities, but also increasingly on urban form and development itself. These new technologies are changing the ease of transport, the role of transit, and the places we spend our time. These changes will have profound effects on cities including large shifts in land use, changes in street design, a potential reduction on the need for parking, a shift on where we choose to live, and challenges for urban density, the extent of sprawl, and the vitality of urban areas. While there has been a focused effort of research on the technological aspects of autonomous vehicles and systems themselves, there has been a shortage of systematic exploration on their secondary effects on city development, form, and design, with implications for sustainability, resiliency, equity, cost, and general livability. SCI’s Urbanism Next initiative focuses on the ramifications of changes in technology on the design and planning of our cities. This presentation will provide an overview to the initiative, research that has been done, and future objectives. Title: Urbanism Next: How Technology is Changing Our City Author: Larco, Nico Year: 2017 Advances in technology such as the advent of autonomous vehicles (AV’s), the rise of E-commerce, and the proliferation of the sharing economy are having profound effects not only on how we live, move, and spend our time in cities, but also increasingly on urban form and development itself. These new technologies are changing the ease of transport, the role of transit, and the places we spend our time. These changes will have profound effects on cities including large shifts in land use, changes in street design, a potential reduction on the need for parking, a shift on where we choose to live, and challenges for urban density, the extent of sprawl, and the vitality of urban areas. While there has been a focused effort of research on the technological aspects of autonomous vehicles and systems themselves, there has been a shortage of systematic exploration on their secondary effects on city development, form, and design, with implications for sustainability, resiliency, equity, cost, and general livability. SCI’s Urbanism Next initiative focuses on the ramifications of changes in technology on the design and planning of our cities. This presentation will provide an overview to the initiative, research that has been done, and future objectives. Close

• 6. [Article] Land Use Innovation: Experiences in the Adoption of Land Use Policies to Promote Active Living

  Obesity continues to be a major public health problem in the United States. As of 2007, 28.8% of adolescents were either overweight or obese. The rise in obesity may, in part, be attributable to declines ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Land Use Innovation: Experiences in the Adoption of Land Use Policies to Promote Active Living Author: Dill, Jennifer, Howe, Deborah A. Year: 2010 Obesity continues to be a major public health problem in the United States. As of 2007, 28.8% of adolescents were either overweight or obese. The rise in obesity may, in part, be attributable to declines in physical activity (PA) levels. In 2007, only 34.7% of adolescents met the national PA guidelines. Since PA levels decrease between childhood and adolescence, the middle school transition is a particularly vulnerable period that warrants special attention. In 2003, Somerville, Massachusetts organized an Active Living by Design (ALbD) partnership to promote community- wide active living through promotion activities (maps), policy changes, programs to engage immigrant communities, and physical changes to the environment (bike lines), and data gathering to evaluate these activities (student height, weight and fitness measurements). The partnership collaborated with other community initiatives to maximize the collective impact for health promotion. This study evaluates PA among a diverse population of middle school students (6th-8th grades) in Somerville and a neighboring comparison community concurrent with Somerville?s ALbD promotion efforts. Specifically, we will 1) document Somerville PA trends over time; 2) examine between-city differences in meeting PA recommendations; 3) explore the relationship(s) of utilization of recreational space and social support on PA; and 4) discuss the policy implications of our findings. Title: Land Use Innovation: Experiences in the Adoption of Land Use Policies to Promote Active Living Author: Dill, Jennifer, Howe, Deborah A. Year: 2010 Obesity continues to be a major public health problem in the United States. As of 2007, 28.8% of adolescents were either overweight or obese. The rise in obesity may, in part, be attributable to declines in physical activity (PA) levels. In 2007, only 34.7% of adolescents met the national PA guidelines. Since PA levels decrease between childhood and adolescence, the middle school transition is a particularly vulnerable period that warrants special attention. In 2003, Somerville, Massachusetts organized an Active Living by Design (ALbD) partnership to promote community- wide active living through promotion activities (maps), policy changes, programs to engage immigrant communities, and physical changes to the environment (bike lines), and data gathering to evaluate these activities (student height, weight and fitness measurements). The partnership collaborated with other community initiatives to maximize the collective impact for health promotion. This study evaluates PA among a diverse population of middle school students (6th-8th grades) in Somerville and a neighboring comparison community concurrent with Somerville?s ALbD promotion efforts. Specifically, we will 1) document Somerville PA trends over time; 2) examine between-city differences in meeting PA recommendations; 3) explore the relationship(s) of utilization of recreational space and social support on PA; and 4) discuss the policy implications of our findings. Close

• 7. [Article] Metropolitan Centers Mean Smart Growth

  In this study, a multidisciplinary team from the University of Oregon and the University of Utah examined regional metropolitan center programs and policies in the Salt Lake City and Denver regions. The ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Metropolitan Centers Mean Smart Growth Author: Margerum, Richard D., Lewis, Rebecca, Bartholomew, Keith Year: 2017 In this study, a multidisciplinary team from the University of Oregon and the University of Utah examined regional metropolitan center programs and policies in the Salt Lake City and Denver regions. The goal of the study was to examine this topic on two levels. First, to learn how and why local governments have adopted the concepts of metropolitan centers over time and the related supporting and constraining factors. Second, to understand how demographics, land use, and transportation choices have changed over time in the designated centers. Title: Metropolitan Centers Mean Smart Growth Author: Margerum, Richard D., Lewis, Rebecca, Bartholomew, Keith Year: 2017 In this study, a multidisciplinary team from the University of Oregon and the University of Utah examined regional metropolitan center programs and policies in the Salt Lake City and Denver regions. The goal of the study was to examine this topic on two levels. First, to learn how and why local governments have adopted the concepts of metropolitan centers over time and the related supporting and constraining factors. Second, to understand how demographics, land use, and transportation choices have changed over time in the designated centers. Close

• 8. [Article] Cyberpunk cities: science fiction meets urban theory

  The science fiction subgenre of cyberpunk developed in the 1980s and 1990s with a strong interest in urban settings. A reading of important cyberpunk novels shows the way in which the ideas of formal urban ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Cyberpunk cities: science fiction meets urban theory Author: Abbott, Carl Year: 2007 The science fiction subgenre of cyberpunk developed in the 1980s and 1990s with a strong interest in urban settings. A reading of important cyberpunk novels shows the way in which the ideas of formal urban theory, such as the idea of global cities, cities as communication systems, and the Los Angeles school of urban studies, have been incorporated into this facet of popular culture. The analysis suggests that science fiction can help planners to understand the influence of a range of social theories on public understanding of planning issues. Title: Cyberpunk cities: science fiction meets urban theory Author: Abbott, Carl Year: 2007 The science fiction subgenre of cyberpunk developed in the 1980s and 1990s with a strong interest in urban settings. A reading of important cyberpunk novels shows the way in which the ideas of formal urban theory, such as the idea of global cities, cities as communication systems, and the Los Angeles school of urban studies, have been incorporated into this facet of popular culture. The analysis suggests that science fiction can help planners to understand the influence of a range of social theories on public understanding of planning issues. Close

• 9. [Article] The Market for Convention Facilities

  Conventions, trade shows and meetings represent an industry of considerable size in the United States. In a 1984 survey, the International Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus estimated a total ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Market for Convention Facilities Author: Degens, Philipp, Haeri, M. Hossein, Strathman, James G. Year: 1988 Conventions, trade shows and meetings represent an industry of considerable size in the United States. In a 1984 survey, the International Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus estimated a total of 20.5 billion dollars of annual expenditure generated by 54.3 million delegates nationwide. Despite its economic importance, the industry has received little analytical attention in the literature on tourism. In this paper we develop and estimate a model of demand for metropolitan convention facilities. Our results suggest that metropolitan convention activity is sensitive to both cost and attraction-related factors. Title: The Market for Convention Facilities Author: Degens, Philipp, Haeri, M. Hossein, Strathman, James G. Year: 1988 Conventions, trade shows and meetings represent an industry of considerable size in the United States. In a 1984 survey, the International Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus estimated a total of 20.5 billion dollars of annual expenditure generated by 54.3 million delegates nationwide. Despite its economic importance, the industry has received little analytical attention in the literature on tourism. In this paper we develop and estimate a model of demand for metropolitan convention facilities. Our results suggest that metropolitan convention activity is sensitive to both cost and attraction-related factors. Close

• 10. [Article] Street Portals: Urban User Interface 'Test Bed' Prototype for Bike Shares

  The objective of this research project is to develop a user interface “test bed” to measure the role of touchscreen kiosks with community connectivity. This interface test bed will apply the knowledge ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Street Portals: Urban User Interface 'Test Bed' Prototype for Bike Shares Author: Germany, Jason, Speranza, Philip Year: 2014 The objective of this research project is to develop a user interface “test bed” to measure the role of touchscreen kiosks with community connectivity. This interface test bed will apply the knowledge of interface design to the domain of public transit kiosks, with a particular focus on bike share stations. The value of this research is the ability to generate user feedback between community members using urban experiences. Safety, effectiveness and community connectivity of public transit is enhanced with this information interface. This report explains the test bed kiosk’s design, physical build, and hardware and software testing. User interaction studies for standards, accessibility and design criteria were done; 2D and 3D modeling, material sourcing and mockups were built. Hardware sensors for proximity included passive infrared (PIR), ultrasonic range finding and RGB-D technology using Microsoft Kinect. Tests measured interaction with user movement type, including the differentiation of pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles. Observed interaction tests were performed with human subjects review approval. The interface test bed will allow for future tests using more advanced sensors and include user intercept surveys. The prototype test bed is a tool to test interface design for connecting urban design theory classifying urban experience information to enhance transit, firstly through the specific application of public bike share. Title: Street Portals: Urban User Interface 'Test Bed' Prototype for Bike Shares Author: Germany, Jason, Speranza, Philip Year: 2014 The objective of this research project is to develop a user interface “test bed” to measure the role of touchscreen kiosks with community connectivity. This interface test bed will apply the knowledge of interface design to the domain of public transit kiosks, with a particular focus on bike share stations. The value of this research is the ability to generate user feedback between community members using urban experiences. Safety, effectiveness and community connectivity of public transit is enhanced with this information interface. This report explains the test bed kiosk’s design, physical build, and hardware and software testing. User interaction studies for standards, accessibility and design criteria were done; 2D and 3D modeling, material sourcing and mockups were built. Hardware sensors for proximity included passive infrared (PIR), ultrasonic range finding and RGB-D technology using Microsoft Kinect. Tests measured interaction with user movement type, including the differentiation of pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles. Observed interaction tests were performed with human subjects review approval. The interface test bed will allow for future tests using more advanced sensors and include user intercept surveys. The prototype test bed is a tool to test interface design for connecting urban design theory classifying urban experience information to enhance transit, firstly through the specific application of public bike share. Close