Join us at the Urban Design Group event which following on from the recent issue of Urban Design on the topic, this event will look at the latest developments in urban design in the Middle East.   Speakers include:   Farnaz Arefian – academic based at UCL, topic editor of issue 124 on The Middle East and convenor of recent International Conference at UCL on Urban Change in Iran. Farnaz will provide an introduction to the event plus an overview of Iranian urbanism including its origins, the influences of culture, climate and place and the challenges of the twenty-first century global …

read the report of the 13 trends breaking through in 2013 by patricia martin, including a contribution by Samar Héchaimé of factors ( see trend number 13 – cities become more human by design) ‘The 2013 report focuses on cultural trends poised to break through in the year ahead. It’s designed to inspire anyone wanting to communicate more effectively across touch points. While the impact of the Internet can be felt in nearly every aspect of consumer life, our focus revolves around its impact on the fabric of society—families, communities, business, education and civic life. This report presents key trends and …

    ROTTERDAM, The Netherlands – Rotterdam/ Amsterdam- based urban planning firm, Stipo B.V., just released their new book ‘The City at Eye Level: Lessons for Street Plinths’ and will be available for free download or hard-­‐copy via website on 11 January 2013. The book, a collaborative effort of five editors and 43 professional contributors from the Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, Demark, USA, UK and Germany, (including Samar Héchaimé of factors) delves deeply into the concepts, philosophy, and strategies behind planning the ground floors (“plinths”) of urban environments. Interviews, case studies, and first-­‐hand stories highlight important examples of best practices from …

Let me start by saying I love public transport. Every form of it, well I do have a preference for those that are above the ground but under the ground is just fine when you need to get somewhere faster and in a more efficient manner. But everything falls into the realm of my love affair with sustainable public transport, bus, tube, train, plane, bike and occasionally taxis. Nevertheless my love is being tested lately and I even have been thinking I should cheat on my beloved and consider a more efficient yet individual mode of transport after spending a …