KunstlerCast

This installment attempts to explore America's anti-urban bias. Topics include: environmentalists and the human habitat, suburban-style housing projects in "the ghetto", white flight, and Alice and Ralph Kramden's apartment in The Honeymooners tv show. James Howard Kunstler also gives advice to those of us who are required to visit the burbs to see our families. Episode 27.

Frederick Law Olmsted is most noted for designing Central Park in Manhattan. His method of landscape design now serves as the main model for how we design parks in America. But James Howard Kunstler believes that our ongoing attempts to replicate the Olmsted park have created many urban parks with serious shortcomings. Kunstler also warns listeners not to ask for "green space" in their towns because "green space" is an abstraction. Instead he urges people to learn the vocabulary of landscape architecture to be able to ask for specific park features. Episode 25.

In this episode of the KunstlerCast, James Howard Kunstler continues his walking tour of one city block in downtown Saratoga Springs, N.Y., a classic Main-street American town. Along the way, he visits a major urban infill project and the results of the urban renewal schemes of the 1960s. Episode 24.

James Howard Kunstler often describes Saratoga Springs N.Y. as a classic Main Street American town. In part one of this special program, we take to the streets of Saratoga to experience the sense of place in this small city. Kunstler brings us from the busy sidewalks along Broadway to a sidestreet leading to a major urban infill project. He explains the urban sensibilities of the 19th century structures, points out the boneheaded decisions of the 1960s one-story development, and the promising efforts of mid-1990s new urbanism. Episode 23.

James Howard Kunstler takes questions on personal rapid transit, sustainable green buildings and the happy motoring program in America. He also scolds us for us referring to ourselves as consumers. This show is the result of a special collaboration between The KunstlerCast and Planetizen, the online network for professional planners. Episode 13. With transcript.

In this episode of KunstlerCast, James Howard Kunstler explores the consequences of handicap access regulations and how these codes have unintentionally promoted suburban sprawl throughout much of America. In many instances, developers feel it's easier and cheaper to just build one-story buildings rather than multi-story handicap accessible buildings. These codes can also discourage the retrofitting of second and third story retail space in old "Main Street" buildings as well. So while handicap codes may make it easier for some people to use our built environment, they can also indirectly make it more difficult for those do not own a car. Episode 22.

In this episode of the KunstlerCast, Jim and Duncan celebrate the God-given right of every American to convenience, Cheez Doodles and happy motoring pleasure. Jim says convenience is the product of a particular set of circumstances that are coming to an end in this country. The diminishing returns of American convenience are apparent in things like Baluchitherium sized-people, short attention spans and road rage. Episode 21.

James Howard Kunstler often says that America has a train system that the Bulgarians would be ashamed of. Fixing our rail system would have a greater and more immediate effect on our gas consumption than fixing our trains. No new technology would be required. It would create jobs and benefit all ranks of society. Episode 20.

Religious activists are praying at Washington DC gas stations for cheaper fuel. James Howard Kunstler says that type of neurotic behavior isn't much different than the behavior of cargo cults in the South Pacific. The concept of getting something for nothing is widely accepted by American culture, and religion, too. Episode 19.

Asphalt has become the default paving solution in America. And it's helped turn even side streets into mini freeways. It's ugly, it's bad for the environment and it might not be so cheap in the near future as the price of petroleum-based products rises. In this episode of the KunstlerCast, James Howard Kunstler discusses the aesthetics, the qualities and the practicalities of other paving materials. Episode 18.