Urban Planning | Penn Today

University of Pennsylvania launches mobility solutions initiative

The Richards Transportation Initiative, led by the Weitzman School of Design’s Leslie Richards, will tackle the complexities of modern transportation.

Nafisa Bangura (left) and Angelica Dadda (right) doing hands-on experimental work in the Composto Lab.

Students test one way to combat extreme heat in Philadelphia

Third-year students Nafisa Bangura and Angelica Dadda expanded upon a multidisciplinary research endeavor to evaluate a reflective pavement coating as a tool to mitigate extreme heat. Their work may inform policy efforts to improve urban heat resilience.

4 min. read

Former SEPTA chief Leslie Richards will lead a Penn transportation research initiative

Leslie Richards of the Weitzman School of Design will lead a new transportation think tank at Penn that will work on practical innovations to improve mass transit, air travel, highways, and tolling systems.

Penn receives $10M to strengthen urban research locally and globally

The funds will support the Institute for Urban Research’s advancement of research, education, and policy solutions for cities.

2 min. read

Penn launches new MSD program in Property Development and Design for practicing architects and designers

The Weitzman School’s MSD-PDD degree is a new post-professional program tailored for architects, landscape architects, and planners looking to lead in the fast-evolving real estate development sector. It expands on the School’s Real Estate Design and Development Certificate to offer a more immersive academic experience and robust credential.

Map shows states with largest credit card debt increases

Lisa Servon of the Weitzman School of Design says housing was probably a factor in the four states with the highest credit card debt.

Frank Chen: Mapping smarter tree placement in Philadelphia

Graduate student Frank Chen provides insight into his project to find the best spots to plant street trees and optimize shade coverage for pedestrians in Philadelphia.

3 min. read

Philly’s first-in-the-nation experiment giving cash to struggling renters is working, researchers say

A report coauthored by Vincent Reina of the Weitzman School of Design suggests that a cash rental subsidy would be a valuable addition to existing support for low-income renters in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia transit cuts portend ‘mayhem’ for commutes and regional economy

Leslie Richards of the Weitzman School of Design says that SEPTA cuts will have a focused and intense impact on some of Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable residents with no other transportation options.

Lawsuit challenges SEPTA cuts over impact on minority and low-income riders

Erick Guerra of the Weitzman School of Design agrees that any cuts to public transportation disproportionately impact lower-income residents.

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