.

2009-02-03T19:47:00.000-08:00

Bong, Carax and Gondry teamed up on this little jewel of a movie about Tokyo.

They explore the chicken and the egg question: Do we shape cities, or do cities shape us...?

Obsession with North Korea

2009-01-19T16:58:00.001-08:00

Okay so I have developed a slight obsession over the past month, after hearing about the leading South Korean movie director who got kidnapped by the Kim Jong Il so North Koreans could get to enjoy some good (yet highly controlled) movies too. Apparently the bugger has a healthy collection of western movies that are all obviously forbidden over there but that he seems to enjoy quite a lot.

From there I got to discover a set of videos shot by Vice magazine reporter Shane Smith who managed to get in. (check the tea girl episode, its my favorite one :) )
For those who'd like a more academic presentation of the topic, Paul Koontz, ex Netscape mogul, was also lucky enough to get in.

Man, I wish I got to see completely car free roads more often too...
Oh, and this video shows the crazy North Korean of arirang : a 120 000 people coordinated show (thats not the audience..!)

Let's bash European planning

2009-01-19T16:53:00.000-08:00

... Just to make us feel better.

Well actually this mainly criticizes German planning, so I'm little confused as to why the author had to call it Euroburbia, but I find that at least he tells it like it should be, Europe does suffer from car-centricity, in its own way.

Read for yourselves

Place l'Acadie to be redeveloped

2009-01-19T16:42:00.000-08:00

Is this going to be another griffintown or the next Benny Farm? First info session will take place on Jan 28
@ Première église évangélique arménienne, 11455 rue Drouart.

What? A movie about cities, biking and politics? How unusual ...

2009-01-19T16:39:00.000-08:00

http://www.strikeanywherefilms.com/

Using Subway Trains to Create Reef

2008-11-28T17:51:00.000-08:00

The New York Transit Authority has a program that retrofits old subway trains into artificial reefs.

The square meter density of fish appears to have been multiplied par 400, boosting the habitat and the local recreational fishing, generating millions for states such as Delaware.

Movies!

2008-11-16T17:17:00.001-08:00

A message from Adam P.

Hello all,

This week boasts three urban planning-related events I am attending and would encourage you to do the same.

1.

On Tuesday at 20h00 there is a screening of Radiant City at Cinema Politica, McGill. Read about it here: http://www.cinemapolitica.org/films/426

It's a 2006 film showing a side of the suburbanite life, and boasts appearances from your favorite vitriolic urban critic, James Howard Kunstler, among others. It's Canadian and comedic. I will head down from our 4th floor hangout at around 19h40, if you would like to join me.

2.

On Friday at 19h30, there will be a world premiere screening of Roadsworth: Crossing the Line at Cinema Politica Concordia. Please let me know if you are interested in attending this event, and I would be glad to go with you. Read about it here: http://www.cinemapolitica.org/films/394 It is also part of Montreal's International Documentary Film Festival. www.ridm.qc.ca

SYNOPSIS - ROADSWORTH CROSSING THE LINE: Over a period of three years, the stencil artist Peter Gibson, aka Roadsworth, made his mark on Montreal in the early hours of the morning by launching a self-described "attack on the streets."

3.

On Saturday 22 November, there will be an event called Street Dog. It should be a lot of fun! Read the flyer text below.

A celebration of bikes and biking. Open to all bikes and riders.
-------------------------------
Une célébration du cyclisme et des cyclistes. Ouvert à tous les vélos.

Alleycat races not your style? A Street Dog Street Meet might be more your cup of tea.
Scavenger Hunt. Race. Prizes. Party.

November 22nd 2008
Registration and Pre-race activities 12-2pm @ Parc La Fontaine (corner Brébeuf and Rachel).
Race 2-5 pm.
Gathering and Film 6:30 pm @ 1757 Amherst.

To pre-register or for info:
streetdogmontreal@gmail.com
-------------------------------
Les courses "alleycat" vous intimident? Alors peut-être qu'une rencontre Street Dog vous fera plaisir.
Rallye/Chasse au trésor. Course. Prix. Fête.

Le 22 novembre 2008
Enregistrement et activités d'avant course 12-2pm
au Parc La Fontaine (coin Brébeuf and Rachel).
Course 2-5 pm.
Rassemblement et Film 6:30 pm @ 1757 Amherst.

Pour préenregistrement ou pour information:
streetdogmontreal@gmail.com

Global warming Campaign

2008-11-05T15:02:00.000-08:00

Quite a video!

Ice, bling & bobby

2008-10-19T23:17:00.000-07:00

We've been witnessing the world wide financial meltdown triggered by the American mortgage crisis, but how is it affecting you and me, and the English Bobbies?
In this week-end's New York Times, Friedman takes a look at the effect of the Icelandic meltdown (no pun intended) and how some 120 English municipalities, universities and police departments can no longer access their savings... :

"So think about it: Some mortgage broker in Los Angeles gives subprime “liar loans” to people who have no credit ratings so they can buy homes in Southern California. Those flimsy mortgages get globalized through the global banking system and, when they go sour, they eventually prompt banks to stop lending, fearful that every other bank’s assets are toxic, too. The credit crunch hits Iceland, which went on its own binge. Meanwhile, the police department of Northumbria, England, had invested some of its extra cash in Iceland, and, now that those accounts are frozen, it may have to reduce street patrols this weekend."

Florida comes up to talk to Montreal

2008-10-19T12:52:00.000-07:00

Richard Florida published an editorial in the Gazette about Montreal a couple of days ago.

The author of "The Rise of the Creative Class" and "Who's Your City?" praised our metropole for its resourcefulness in this time of financial crisis. If you're lazy, you can also skip to Spacing Montreal's article on Florida's piece. The Montreal Mirror also wrote an interest piece about Richard 3 years ago, it's still up on the net if you want to check it out.

Demonstration – No to Harper and the Conservatives!

2008-10-02T18:10:00.000-07:00

October 5 2008 | 12h30 | Square Dorchester - metro Peel

A march followed by guest speakers.

When: Sunday October 5 at 12h30
Start: Gathering at Square Dorchester (métro Peel; angle rue Peel et boulevard René-Lévesque), in Montréal
Finish: Place des arts
Speakers: Emmanuel Bilodeau and other guest speakers

This event is organized by the following groups: Association québécoise de lutte contre la pollution atmosphérique (AQLPA), Collectif Échec à la guerre, Conseil central des syndicats nationaux de Montréal, Conseil national des chômeurs et chômeuses, Conseil régional FTQ Montréal métropolitain, D'Abord Solidaires, Front d'action populaire en réaménagement urbain (FRAPRU), L'R des centres de femmes du Québec, Syndicat des professionnelles et professionnels du gouvernement du Québec (SPGQ), Table régionale des organismes communautaires et bénévoles de la Montérégie (TROC-M), Table des regroupements provinciaux d'organismes communautaires et bénévoles (TRPOCB)

Click on the links below for more information (in French only):
Les coupures, ca tue la culture
http://cybersolidaires.typepad.com/r/2008/09/appel-une-grand.html
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/arts/nouvelles/200809/23/01-22899-les-artistes-de-concert-contre-les-coupes.php

Manifestation - Non aux politiques conservatrices!

2008-10-02T18:09:00.001-07:00

5 octobre 2008 | 12h30 | Square Dorchester - metro Peel

Grande marche suivie d'un spectacle et de déclarations engagées pour faire avancer la société!

Quand : Dimanche le 5 octobre à 12h30
Départ : Rassemblement au Square Dorchester (métro Peel; angle rue Peel et boulevard René-Lévesque), à Montréal
Arrivée : Place des arts
Animation : Emmanuel Bilodeau et d'autres artistes invités surprises

Un événement organisé par une large coalition de groupes sociaux, culturels et syndicaux : Association québécoise de lutte contre la pollution atmosphérique (AQLPA), Collectif Échec à la guerre, Conseil central des syndicats nationaux de Montréal, Conseil national des chômeurs et chômeuses, Conseil régional FTQ Montréal métropolitain, D'Abord Solidaires, Front d'action populaire en réaménagement urbain (FRAPRU), L'R des centres de femmes du Québec, Syndicat des professionnelles et professionnels du gouvernement du Québec (SPGQ), Table régionale des organismes communautaires et bénévoles de la Montérégie (TROC-M), Table des regroupements provinciaux d'organismes communautaires et bénévoles (TRPOCB)

Click on the links below for more information:
Les coupures, ca tue la culture
http://cybersolidaires.typepad.com/r/2008/09/appel-une-grand.html
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/arts/nouvelles/200809/23/01-22899-les-artistes-de-concert-contre-les-coupes.php

Is september over already? What happened?

2008-09-28T08:48:00.000-07:00

As we're gradually getting bogged down in studio, it's nice to take a break, and informative ones at that.

New Geography did a piece on what could be best called Neo New Urbanism, or how Americans wont give up on cars yet. Anyway, see (or read) for yourselves.

A little bit more fun is Jaime Lerner, from Curitiba Brazil. He'll explain how he sees the city as turtle and how the car is like your mother in law. What's not to like?

Back to School

2008-08-25T10:29:00.000-07:00

Well I hope everybody had a great summer, now it's time to slave away again to finally add that MUP acronym on our resumes and stay up until 2 AM looking for precedents / drawing a cross section / last minute visions!

To start off the year, I'll invite you guys to check out this pig city and let me know what you think about it!

It's also time to welcome the first years, who will be attending the orientation session on August 28th. Don't worry we'll take care of you...

2008-07-19T13:33:00.000-07:00

Gregory from the 2006-2008 class just starting this blog looking at farmers' markets across Canada. It has links on how to find farmers' markets and will also include a comprehensive list of relevant journal articles.

The ultimate website about Montreal

2008-07-11T06:19:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately this site wasn't available while I was writing my SRP, it would have made things much easier!

Anyway, I am happy that it is there now because, even if some parts are to be completed, it is the best resource I can think of for Montreal's history and architecture.
It's made by Heritage Montreal and it's called www.memorablemontreal.com.

There are three sections: neighbourhoods, bridges and 'off circuits'. The neighbourhood section is very rich: the most important buildings are described in each area, but - most interestingly - public spaces and public art are analyzed too.

Enjoy!

Silvia

German vision of transportation

2008-04-08T08:54:00.000-07:00

This was done by City of Munster back in the day to illustrate how our transportation choices affect how we occupy the city in terms of space. Thanks Shannon for the link!

Streetscape variations...

2008-04-08T08:33:00.000-07:00

Fight Blight, go Blue?

2008-03-11T08:52:00.000-07:00

Rotterdam has developed a new strategy for fighting blight and unwanted graffiti.
Planetizen wrote an article about it here

By Florentijn Hofman

But the question is how long will it last? Will graffitis reappear? Or will these buildings become landmarks? And how hard is it to take off that coat of painting anyway?

From Lionel to Oscar

2008-02-28T08:33:00.000-08:00

Following Oscar Peterson's passing away, a growing number of Montrealers have been supporting the idea of nenaming the Lionel Groux station in his honor.
Want to help this cause? You can go to City Hall and be vocal about it next tuesday:

What Smart Growth Has In Mind for Baby Boomer:

2008-02-26T05:24:00.000-08:00

You can read the rest of this article on SmartGrowth.org

Baby Boomers Projected to Reshape Housing Market -- Again

Born between 1946 and 1964, the nation's 80 million of ''baby boomers'' are projected to reshape its housing market ''as they sell their three-bedroom houses in the suburbs for new homes more in keeping with both their active lifestyles and the encroaching realities of age,'' and Maine towns and cities better be ready to face the challenges and to seize the opportunities, states the Kennebec Journal, quoting Smart Growth America Communication Director David Goldberg, who expects some boomers to settle on hobby farms but many to seek walkable town centers, and who stresses the need ''to think in terms of mixed uses'' and more housing for both the affluent and those on fixed incomes...

Montreal Indoor Freezing

2008-02-23T16:14:00.000-08:00

Juste like the NYC Central Station stunt, a bunch of people met and froze on saturday feb, 23rd at precisley 18h15... and I was one of them! My roommate filmed a minute or so of it, so here's a little video, but a Concordia student will be posting much better stuff soon.

The Notre-Dame Highway Project: Can we avoid this failure?

2008-02-20T15:26:00.001-08:00

Sign the petition here. There will also be regular updates via rss on the right hand column of this blog.

GreenDating Second Edition - Networking Night

2008-02-18T20:10:00.000-08:00

This will take place thursday evening, and from what I understood, it's going to be packed. The 8$ at the door should be well spent if you want to meet professionals. So don't forget to bring you business cards and laundry peg (don't ask)

Already February!

2008-02-01T14:35:00.000-08:00

My, my, oh my, January went so fast, I haven't had the time to update you folks!
Thanks to Lauren, Danielle and Shannon, I do have some nice little links to display for the time being.
For the landscape lovers who are up to here with the jargon, you'll be able to have a laugh out of it right here
Looking to know how walkable is your study area? Shannon recommends WalkScore

Finally, Danielle sent me an interesting link on this californian project where a local organization wants to transform Alcatraz into a Global Peace Center.

From what I saw online, the project is ambitious and kind of appealing on paper, but visually speaking, it's like seeing tie-die getting upgraded to web 2.0.

2008-01-17T08:35:00.001-08:00

Creative City Network of Canada

2008-01-06T10:23:00.000-08:00

"An organization of people employed by municipalities across Canada working on arts, culture and heritage policy, planning, development and support."
Here's their latest newlestter

Le site est bilingue, mais pour l'équivalent au Québec, il faut aller voir Les arts et la ville

Shadow Cities

2008-01-02T21:46:00.000-08:00

Robert Neuwirth's look on shanty towns. The last five minutes are particularly interesting for planners.

Landlines by the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy

2007-12-30T10:30:00.000-08:00

The January 2008 issue of the Land Lines quarterly magazine (vol 20, no 1) is now posted on our Web site here. And it's free!
Some of the items on the menu include planning for climate change and housing inequalities in China.

20 years ago

2007-12-27T10:51:00.000-08:00

As we're about to say goodbye to 2007, I thought it would be nice to see some pictures of Montreal, 20 years ago.

Here are some pictures from a Concordia alumni, Mickey G, which he was nice enough to share on Flickr.

Bangkok RailMarket

2007-12-19T11:38:00.000-08:00

This is a little video submitted by Danielle H. We thought it might speak to those who got to work on Parc-Ex!

A Great Personal Blog about Urbanism

2007-12-19T11:22:00.000-08:00

I stumbled upon this blog last week, it has quite a nice take on Montreal.

Enjoy the read!

Town Uglification Committee Approves New Pile Of Garbage Bags

2007-12-19T11:21:00.000-08:00

Town Uglification Committee Approves New Pile Of Garbage Bags

A funny little piece in The Onion

2007-12-01T09:09:00.001-08:00

In the previous post I was doing a little promo for The Radiant City. Little did I know that it's actually going to be playing at Concordia!
check here for more info http://www.cinemapolitica.org/
(thanks Mary for the tip!)

Subway, Sprawl'n'Stuff

2007-12-01T08:29:00.000-08:00

Sprawl
I just saw a great little Canadian piece on urban sprawl called The Radiant City. I encourage you to go and check it out at your local video store - that's where I found it, so I'm sure it's pretty available. Or just be lazy and watch the trailer for an "avant-gout"

Subway
'Tis not absolutely not the season, nor is there no specific reason of event to celebrate about subways, but gee do I love underground public transit.
And I just discovered a comprehensive yet esthetically challenged website with a list of pictures of Art in the Metros around the world (and yes, you'll find Montreal in it)
Here again, a couple of "avant-gout" pictures and the link here (for those by now who didn't get "avant-gout"by now, it's pretty much "before-taste")

Green the Gettho!

2007-11-16T10:21:00.000-08:00

Shannon from Urban Design just forwarded this video about fighting environmental racism in South Bronx. You can also read more about Marjora Carter, who has set up the programme and has since become executive director of Sustainable South Bronx.

Dublin, a changing city

2007-11-15T08:23:00.001-08:00

A what NOT to do in Planning: lesson #1

2007-11-07T13:54:00.000-08:00

Why knowing how to do a plan when designing your building is crucial ....

This is actually a naval base located in San Diego, California...!

A plaza in Cartagena, Colombia, By night

2007-10-31T06:33:00.000-07:00

Upcoming Networking Event

2007-10-23T12:09:00.001-07:00

How to get there:

View Larger Map

For more information on the Emerging Green Builders, the section within the Quebec Chapter, click here

Want to register with CaGBC (Canadian Green Building Council) ? E-mail mcgillurbp@gmail.com

Is Jane Jacobs still upsetting some people in Toronto?

2007-10-21T14:26:00.000-07:00

Want to know more about urban sustainability in Montreal?

2007-10-21T10:05:00.001-07:00

Montreal Urban Community Sustainment is a local non-profit organization that just settled in NDG. See what they're up to here

2007-10-19T08:01:00.001-07:00

Upcoming lecture at Concordia - Monday Oct 22nd

2007-10-13T13:31:00.001-07:00

Photo contest: Montreal’s “green oases and toxic hotspots”

2007-10-09T08:48:00.000-07:00

Montreal Matters is organizing a contest for the best picture taken of Montreal's 'green oases and toxic hotspots".

To enter the contest, here is a little more info, but you can check the rest here

The contest takes place from September 28, 2007 to October 18, 2007 inclusively

To enter, send your entries by email to t.cottingham@nfb.ca or by mail to T. Cottingham, National Film Board of Canada, 3155 Cote de Liesse Road, Saint-Laurent, Quebec, H4N 2N4.

Please provide your full name, e-mail address, age and telephone number

The vernissage and screening of Manufactured Landscapes will take place on Wednesday October 24, at 6:00 PM, at Dawson College. 3040 Sherbrooke West, room 5B16.

A message from your PGSS Rep

2007-10-04T16:51:00.001-07:00

Hey guys and gals,

after a lengthy first PGSS Council meeting at Thompson House yesterday, i assembled a list of social events that the PGSS is putting on in the month of October.

I will have a report on the serious issues that came up at the meeting when i get the minutes, so i can be sure that what i'm reporting to you is correct. In the meantime, here is the fun stuff (all happening at Thompson house):

TODAY 4TH OCTOBER: Theme Night: Oktoberfest, all night
5TH OCTOBER: Karaoke, 7pm, Restaurant
9TH OCTOBER: Trivia Night, 7pm, Ballroom (Theme: Are you going to eat that?)
11TH OCTOBER: Theme Night: Luau, all night
12TH OCTOBER: Live Band: Katie Loves Pain, Ballroom TIME?? (ask Bliss or Linda) all McGill grad band, indie rock/folklore

13TH OCTOBER: Amazing Race
* This is a treasure hunt/race around Montreal to find clues.
* The cost is 7$/person or 35$/team
* This includes water and/or Gatorade provided all day, a supper at the end of the day, a T-shirt that will be given at the beginning of the day, and lots of prizes to be won.

* Deadline to register is October 5th.

18TH OCTOBER: Theme Night: Toga Party, all night
Also, October 18th is the first day that tickets for the Halloween party go on sale (they sell out so get them early)

21ST OCTOBER, 3PM: Want to see the McGill Redmen play hockey against the Concordia Stingers at the Bell Center? email PGSS VP Internal...10$/ticket

24TH OCTOBER: Bingo Night, 7pm, Ballroom
25TH OCTOBER: Theme Night: Carnivale, all night
26TH OCTOBER: Pumpkin Carving, 6 or 7pm, Restaurant
27TH OCTOBER: Halloween party, 9pm (BUY YOUR TICKET EARLY!!!)

Have a great Thanksgiving weekend everyone!!!

-Lauren

2007-10-04T16:44:00.000-07:00

KnowledgePlex is organizing chat-conferences!

Oct 16 on Green Affordable Housing
Oct 23 on Brownfields Redevelopments
Oct 30 on DataPlace©

You can go and check the programme online here

October 11th Event

2007-10-03T22:44:00.000-07:00

The Canadian Insitute of Planners has sent us their student rep, Ms. Amie Baker, who will be visiting Montreal and stopping by on October 11 (next thursday) from 6 to 8 pm, at the Thomson House.

This will be an opportunity to get answers to your questions regarding CIP, its benefits and members, but also to do some networking and mingling with fellow students from other urban planning departments in Montreal. Plus we'll be offering nachos.

We will also be introducing MUPSA, that interuniversity student body made of Montreal Urban Planning department reps, so be sure to show up!