Branding is important in any field, and architecture is no exception. It is important that one informs as many people as possible their ability; and that it is of a higher quality than that of their competitors. There are many ways this can be accomplished, especially in the digital monoculture in which we now find [...]
It never hurts to have a good business card design. While they seem like a basic staple (and often times overlooked) of any firm, a good business card can make a break a sale for a company. Having a flashy business card could be the difference of a potential client picking up the phone and [...]
Sustainable tourism may seem like an oxymoron. Historically, tourism has resulted in environmental and cultural degradation across the globe. While a diversified economy remains optimal, many places depend heavily on tourism. Locations with delicate natural environments such as the rain forests of Brazil, the coral reefs of Australia, and the plains of Africa often suffer [...]
Two weeks ago, I discussed the various ways that urban planners and firms use social media to reach out and interact with public audiences (i.e. Facebook and Twitter). While using these platforms is a good way of creating a base and engaging with users, knowing how to use these methods correctly and in the right [...]
From the beginning of its practice, planning has always been a discipline of engagement. Without engaging and interacting with city residents and constituents, planners would be lost with regards to making effective decisions and city plans. Now, with technology virtually omnipresent and more of these residents having access to data and city information, it’s imperative [...]
One of the most difficult things for urban planners to do is to garner accurate and worthwhile public opinion. Coincidentally, public opinion happens to be the driving force behind the concept of “urban planning.” After all, planners exist to serve the public, and if they can’t figure out what the public’s opinions are on construction [...]
Global Site Plans is offering a 6-month to 1-year internship opportunity for contributing bloggers for topics related to business, marketing, design (website, graphic, and print), internet marketing, and content strategy. If you are a student with a passion and talent for writing about any of the aforementioned topics, then Global Site Plans wants you as a contributing blogger. We [...]
As technology becomes increasingly mobile, city residents are constantly in demand for information on the go. But aside from their desire to Facebook and tweet anywhere, anytime, users are looking for ways to improve their commute, quicken their pace, and reach their destination faster. Public agencies and private developers have responded to the call, creating [...]
Like most urban areas, Lincoln, Nebraska, contains many farmers’ markets throughout the growing season. The biggest of these markets is open on Saturday mornings in the downtown Lincoln area. The market itself has become something of an event, attracting thousands of people each week, during its peak. Just last month, a new farmers’ market opened [...]
Do you tweet and use Facebook every day, all day? Is building social community so ingrained you just can’t stop? We seek a highly a motivated individual with experience and fanatical passion for blogging, micro-blogging and community participation leadership. If you are a student with a passion for social media, have top-notch writing and communication [...]
As much as I enjoy commuting to work and school on my bicycle, oftentimes I dislike riding it for regular errands. Incomplete streets, limited bicycle trails, and routes are one problem, but a lack of bicycle facilities are another. When you’re hopping out of your car to patronize stores at strip malls, do you ever [...]
As social media continues to grow and become part of the architecture and planning disciplines, design schools are increasingly integrating these essential services and networks as part of their marketing and communication, but also in their curriculum. With many design firms and city agencies incorporating these tools into their professional practice and branding, it is [...]
With more and more city residents becoming engaged in social media, municipal planning departments are taking notice. Across the country, many cities are responding to the trend by embedding themselves within social media networks and reaching out to constituents like never before. The cities are putting themselves out there on Twitter and allowing anyone to [...]
We’re happy to announce the first of many website critiques regarding design, functionality, and usability. If you would like to include your company or agency in the pool of candidates for a website critique, please add your information here. Our first website review is for the City of Compton Community Redevelopment Agency in Compton, California. [...]
What do you consider when you think about humanity’s carbon footprint? Do you applaud those that drive an electric car? Or do you commend those who commute by bicycle or public transit? Maybe the fuel-efficient home is more desirable than keeping the thermostat low on cold days while wearing an extra layer of clothes? When [...]
Twitter is a terrific micro-blogging platform that allows users to send 140 character messages to each other and the world. This form of social media allows for vast amounts of information to be sent in short bursts, but can also be a disaster for a user that may be new to the site. Even the [...]
Big-box retail outlets are not a staple of the urban design. Land is simply too expensive to devote to a single story of wide aisles and extensive parking. Wal-Mart and other global retailers are exploring ways to infiltrate the high-density, potential customer base of city centers. Internet marketing is common today, and home delivery goes [...]
One organization that is using new tools offered by companies like Global Site Plans to grow and build its advocacy campaigns is Next Aide.
Three weeks ago, the American Planning Association (APA) held its annual conference in Boston. Over 5,000 urban planning professionals and students shared their ideas, exchanged business cards, and learned about emerging trends in the profession. This year, social media, particularly Twitter, played a big role in keeping conference attendees connected and aware of lectures, activities, [...]
Do you tweet and use Facebook every day, all day? Is building social community so ingrained you just can’t stop? We seek a highly a motivated individual with experience and fanatical passion for blogging, micro-blogging and community participation leadership. If you are a student with a passion for social media, have top-notch writing and communication [...]
