>> Slums: A lesson in successful urban development. “Slums embody many of the principles frequently invoked by urban planners: They are walkable, high-density, and mixed-use, meaning that housing and commerce mingle. Consider too that the buildings are often made of materials that would otherwise be piling up in landfills, and slums are by some measures exceptionally ecologically friendly.” (via ideas)
>> The Ebony Experiment: One family tries to buy everything from black businesses for a year. Lots of experts weigh in.
>> Hands-On 3rd: A new DIY eco-workshop space-to-be on West 3rd St. “All sounds very DIY, and perhaps (if the workshops aren’t particularly pricey), makes more sense in this economy than another clothing boutique.”
Photo by godwin d
the first blurb here reminds me of that urban planning book by Jane Jacobs. Have you read it?
Comment by bike girl — March 11, 2009 @ 3:16 pm
There are no slums where I live but I see a lot of practical life strategies in this developing country. I was thinking about creating a whole new blog devoted to highlighting some of them as being transferable to ‘Great Recession’ era America.
Martin’s last blog post..What Not To Wear
Comment by Martin — March 12, 2009 @ 3:24 am