City Builders

What's America's best campus? The City Builders definitely have an informed opinion on what they believe is the best college campus in America. Many college campuses have traditional buildings, a unifying aesthetic, and plenty of public space. But, this campus is the result of a holistic vision. One that goes from the master plan all the way down to the detail of the door knob. It's...

What can we learn from other nations?  This City Builders episode places a focus on the study of European cities and how they can inform urbanism and architecture in North America. Mark and Dorian commonly discuss their Global Urban Study (G.U.S.) approach to city building.  This is the fundamental idea of the study of cities from around the world to understand what works and doesn't.   See C...

In this episode of City Builders, Mark and Dorian connect with long time friend and colleague, Howard Blackson, a San Diego based, urban designer. Howard presents a number of urban design and planning issues that are working as well as some challenges in his hometown of San Diego. Also explained and discussed are the concepts of the Next Urbanism,  Vertical Urbanism and the Erect Transect.   Check...

City Builders is often focused on great public spaces.  What city has an exceptional grouping of public spaces, located close together and enhancing the downtown district?   That would be Detroit! Downtown Detroit has some of the greatest urban public spaces in all of North America! Mark and Dorian discuss the urban design and architectural elements of the 1805 Woodward Plan that incorporates nume...

City Builders and the importance of civic, local leadership is the topic of this episode. How important is local leadership to any resident of a city, village, township or a municipality?   It is incredibly important! In this episode of City Builders, Mark and Dorian go into detail of the many ways that local leadership impacts residents of a municipality. Their personal experience, for many decad...

City Builders and incremental developer , Eddy Carrington, discuss Detroit progress. What is the best way to build great cities?  With incremental development, created by countless small, independent developers and investors. In this episode of City Builders, Mark and Dorian have a spirited discussion with one of those small and emerging developers, Eddy Carrington. Edward “Eddy” Carrington is the...

Books that Inspire City Builders We are all inspired by many people and information as we enter our life path, and the notably significant formative days.   Professional writings, as one of many important motivational elements, often provide ideas and insight that assists in setting the stage for developing professionals, and can ignite an internal flame, establishing important long term guiding p...

Boston is known for historic urban districts like the Back Bay, Beacon Hill and the South End, but there are many new districts evolving to add to the great urbanism of this amazing city on the Eastern Seaboard.   Mark and Dorian discuss the urban design and architectural developments that have transformed part of one of the most historic cities in America.   They describe various conditions that...

Many believe that the greatest cities are in full 4 season climates. In this City Builders episode, Mark and Dorian emphasize the many ways in which cities embrace the spring, summer, autumn and winter months. From sitting in a shady Detroit public space during a warm summer day to springtime in Paris,  a walk through leafy square in London, to ice skating on the Toronto Harbourfront,  the City Bu...

Here is a City Builders episode with a focus on housing issues. Housing in North American cities has been a hot topic for discussion and has had some zoning activity and rethinking over recent years.  Housing costs have been increasing and many feel that the idea of buying a house is becoming out of reach.  Renting a residential unit is also becoming notably costly and has caused anxiety for many,...

City Builders - Talking with Urbanist, Robert Freedman  |  City Builders Ep.34 In this City Builders Podcast, Mark and Dorian have an in-depth discussion with theri long time friend and colleague, Robert Freedman. Robert was the Director of Urban Design for the City of Toronto, for over a decade, assisting in guiding much of the intense development of that city. Enjoy an interesting discussion as...

Cities As Television Stars  |  City Builders Ep.33 In this City Builders Podcast, Mark and Dorian discuss Television shows, situation comedies and dramas, and when a city becomes a significant character.  There are many excellent television and streaming shows, filmed in amazing locations around the world.   But, how many are oriented in a way that the location becomes the star of the show?    The...

In this City Builders episode, city builders, Mark and Dorian have a discussion on what they believe to be one of the greatest waterfronts in North America - the Toronto Waterfront.      Their conversation includes observations and experiences regarding the many elements of Toronto's blue edge - the Lake, harbour, rivers, beaches, island, parks, public spaces, historic and new developments. J...

In this City Builders episode, Mark and Dorian reflect on the recently completed GED (Glasgow+Edinburgh+Distilleries) tour.   What are the summarizing observations, thoughts, ideas, products and take aways from the Archive DS Global Urban Study? Join Mark and Dorian for a discussion on the results of their GED Global Urban Study process.  This episode provides some insight into the study and tour,...

What are the steps taken and initial elements incorporated in preparing for an Archive DS Global Urban Study? Join Mark and Dorian for a discussion on that aspect of their Global Urban Study process.  This episode provides some insight into the steps taken to prepare for a major travel study event.  These include reading and research, planning an itinerary,  identifying architectural, urban and cu...

In North American cities, pedestrian only streets are commonly considered as a logical solution to making downtowns and urban districts better.  As more and more North Americans travel abroad to Europe, Asia and beyond, where pedestrianized streets are more common, it is often believed these streets could work well in North American cities. Does this really work?  In fact, over the last half centu...

Have you ever walked on a sidewalk that just ended? Or stood waiting far too long at a corner crosswalk and the "WALK" signal didn't light up? Have you walked across an excessively wide street and wondered why it has so many lanes? In this City Builders episode, Mark and Dorian pass along some of their observations in cities that they find to be missteps.....or simply frustrating. I...

How are downtown districts doing in the post-pandemic environment and with the recently embraced "work from home" office model? In this City Builders episode, Mark and Dorian discuss recent circumstances that are transforming cities all over North America.   In some cases changes have been negative, however, some changes have been considered to be positive.  What is the new paradigm?  Fo...

In this City Builders Podcast, Mark and Dorian discuss films, and when a city becomes a significant character.  There are many great movies, filmed in amazing locations around the world.   But, how many are oriented in a way that the location becomes the star of the show?    These are the types of movies that Mark and Dorian discuss in this episode. Enjoy a unique discussion as the City Builders u...

The City Builders discuss the best NHL and NBA arenas throughout North America.   Arenas, in our cities, are an important part of city life. Millions of fans, gather often in arenas to see sports activities, concerts, and other large events.  The discussion in this episode of City Builders is focused on how those arenas are designed and located to accentuate the fan experience as well as become as...

The City Builders discuss the many assets of the City of Fayetteville,  Bentonville, Rogers and Springdale and the regional polycentric area in Arkansas, also known as NWA.   Mark and Dorian had a surprise guest join in to the discussion in downtown Bentonville -  John Simmerman from Active Towns.  An in depth conversation developed on many aspects of greenways in NWA and beyond. Special emphasis...

The City Builders discuss the many assets of the City of Fayetteville and the regional polycentric area in Arkansas, also known as NWA The focus of this episode is an overview of a  recent Archive DS Global Urban Study.  Mark and Dorian share their impressions and observations of Fayetteville and the region. Take in their conversation, which highlights thoughts and ideas on various elements of the...

City Builders and the continued discussion of a huge transition in Detroit Detroit's Renaissance Center.....Rethinking an Icon.   the history. Part 2 After nearly 50 years as a major anchor and focal point on the Detroit River's edge in downtown Detroit,  the Renaissance Center is undergoing a significant transformation.  With over 5 million square feet, the complex,  once home to one of...

While on the Spring Global Urban Study, with a focus on the Burgundy region, the City Builders, Mark and Dorian, provide an update and overview of their latest observation of the city of Paris.  Including insight into, cafes, retail, streets, parks, public spaces, the growing non-motorized system and the rebuilt Notre Dame Cathedral. They both know Paris very well,  and enjoyed seeing the latest u...

The City Builders check out Cincinnati.....a Lake Belt hot spot on the Ohio River! This episode is an overview of an Archive DS Global Urban Study of Cincinnati, USA.  Mark and Dorian discuss their initial impressions and observations of Cinci - Over-the-Rhine, Findlay Market, The Ohio Riverfront, Fountain Square, and overall city activity. Take in the conversation between Mark and Dorian, highlig...