Talk to me

I'm glad I started this blog, because it has led people in the community who are working on issues I care about to contact me. If you are one of this people who happens to stumble across my blog, feel free to email me and let me know what organizations are out there. I would love to learn more.

I've just spent the last two hours reading articles about urban planning (the pros and cons of condos, the issues of gentrification, the issues of transit, the issues of poverty). Does anyone have good solid NON BIASED books that I can read? It seems like a lot of the blogs and arguments are too one sided for me to make my own judgments. I have read some solid articles, but want more! I don't want someone to tell me what to think.. I want facts, examples, truth.. so I can formulate my own opinions.

These are my opinions so far.. I'll let you know if they change.

Condos are ugly and built cheaply. As an aspiring architect, I do not think the condos are aesthetically pleasing. They look like the pre-made sheds you can buy at Home Depot. Why do we want to fill our cities with ugly buildings?! But, further than that, why are we tearing down good homes to build these ugly buildings?! The are built cheaply and not built to last. How is this environmental when they aren't built to stand the test of time?

People say condos are good because the same amount of land used can house more people, because they are built taller. Is this true?
The two houses across the street both housed college students. Now, the two houses are being turned into three town homes. The two houses each housed atleast 6-8 people each.. so 12-16 total. Since the town homes are targeted to young married couples... that would probably mean 2-3 people would live in each town house.... which makes 6-9 people instead of the 12-16.

I understand that it's different because I live in a university neighborhood where all the statistics are thrown off. But, why are we building condos here? Why are we targeting buildings for married middle class couples instead the students? Why are students being forced to live farther north and commute in?

I keep seeing problems with the the world around me, but I want to try to figure out answers. Urban planning is complex and I don't know enough to start to even guess at the answers, which is why, I need to read more. There are so many issues out there that I want to know more about, but I think I need to start narrowing down, so I can study the subject more intensely.

I've learned more in the past month through discussions with people, and reading from various sources than I have through my entire school career. I have always loved school because I love learning, but I am realizing that I don't feel like much of what I am learning is of consequence anymore. I'm done regurgitating information and am ready to start thinking on my own.