Share More poor people are moving into the suburbs, which means more pedestrians in neighborhoods which were built with only cars in mind. This report examines the many obstacles to making multi-lane roads safer for pedestrians. What roads around Fort Wayne have similar problems? Watch the full episode. See more Need To Know.
The roads that hate pedestrians by design
by Jon Swerens on July 28, 2010, in Built environment, Transportation
Learning from Columbus, Indiana
by Jon Swerens on December 14, 2009, in Architecture, Urban design, Urbanism
Share What can the rest of Indiana learn from Columbus? From an article in the Star Press of Muncie: The American Institute of Architects ranks Columbus as the sixth city in the nation for architectural innovation and design? (The ones listed 1-5 are: Chicago, New York, Boston, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.) and this: What [...]
Are chain stores bad for downtowns?
by Jon Swerens on December 10, 2009, in Architecture, Downtown, Urbanism
The mayor of Bloomington is proposing a ban on chain stores in downtown. Can such a ban save a downtown?
Results of downtown design survey
by Jon Swerens on December 4, 2009, in Architecture, Downtown, Urbanism
“Fort Wayne residents have once again expressed support for thoughtful design in downtown Fort Wayne through the downtown design survey earlier this fall. An internal team and an advisory group will use the survey’s information as they create a Downtown Design Manual by early next year.”
The highways of the future!
by Jon Swerens on December 3, 2009, in Transportation
An excerpt from the 1958 Disneyland TV Show episode entitled Magic Highway USA. In this last part of the show, an exploration into possible future Transportation technologies is made.
The Architect as Totalitarian
by Jon Swerens on December 3, 2009, in Architecture
Share Theodore Dalrymple dissects some of the destructive tendencies of the modern architect Le Corbusier: Le Corbusier was to architecture what Pol Pot was to social reform. In one sense, he had less excuse for his activities than Pol Pot: for unlike the Cambodian, he possessed great talent, even genius. Unfortunately, he turned his gifts [...]
What’s your verdict on Calhoun Street?
by Jon Swerens on November 24, 2009, in Downtown, Transportation
Calhoun Street in downtown Fort Wayne from Washington Boulevard to Berry Street was demolished, and rebuilt, and is now a two-way street. What do you think?
The expressway that never happened
by Jon Swerens on November 13, 2009, in Downtown, Transportation
What would Fort Wayne be like today if it had approved building an expressway back in the 1950s?
‘Longing for the City’
by Jon Swerens on November 11, 2009, in Architecture, Books, Downtown, Events
Share Hello! If you’re here because of being invited at the “Longing for the City” talk Wednesday night, welcome! I’ll post lists of recommended books and resources on this Web site as time permits. Plus, if you have recommendations, please leave a comment here. Thanks for coming!

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