As cities expand, how do urban planners anticipate future needs and ensure sustainable growth? In this episode of The Urbanist Lens, hosts Drew and Clark dive into the role of population projections in shaping cities. With Victoria’s population set to hit 8 million by the early 2030s, smart planning is more crucial than ever. From transport infrastructure and housing development to economic policies and sustainability initiatives, we explore how data-driven planning keeps cities livable and thriving.

Our discussion highlights key projects like Melbourne’s Suburban Rail Loop, affordable housing strategies, and regional development initiatives. Plus, we examine why demographic analysis—from aging populations to migration trends—plays a vital role in designing future-ready cities.

Produced and written by Andro Madrogaba, this episode offers a deep dive into how urban planning adapts to rapid growth. Tune in for expert insights and a forward-looking perspective on building better cities!

In this episode of The Urbanist’s Lens, hosts Drew and Clark explore the urgent challenge of urban traffic congestion and the innovative strategies cities are adopting to tackle it. As metropolitan areas expand and vehicle numbers rise, gridlock threatens economic productivity, air quality, and overall urban livability. This episode dives into cutting-edge traffic management solutions, from congestion pricing and intelligent transport systems to pedestrianization and enhanced public transit networks.

Focusing on Dublin’s ambitious plan to reduce city center traffic by 40% by 2028, Drew and Clark discuss how measures like dedicated bus lanes, pedestrian-only streets, and traffic diversions are reshaping urban mobility. They also examine global case studies—from London’s congestion pricing model to Barcelona’s Superblocks—highlighting how cities worldwide are pioneering sustainable and efficient traffic reduction strategies.

Join Drew and Clark as they break down the future of urban transportation, exploring the balance between accessibility, sustainability, and economic growth. Whether you’re an urban planner, commuter, or policy enthusiast, this episode offers key insights into how cities can reclaim their streets from congestion.

The Urbanist’s Lens is written and produced by Andro Madrogaba.

REFERENCES

Chill Insurance. (2024). What is the Dublin City Centre Transport Plan? Chill Insurance.

Dublin City Council. (2024). City Centre Transport Plan 2023. Dublin City Council.

Environment Ireland. (2024). Dublin City Transport Plan: 'Giving more space to public transport and active mobility'. Environment Ireland.

Fleet Transport. (2024). First Measures in City-Centre Transport Plan to begin in August. Fleet Transport.

Global Designing Cities Initiative. (2024). Traffic Calming Strategies. Global Designing Cities Initiative.

INRIX. (2024). Urban Congestion in 2024 & Beyond: What the INRIX Traffic Scorecard Tells Us. INRIX.

Institute for Transportation and Development Policy. (2024). Traffic Reduction. ITDP.

LYT. (2024). 7 Tips to Help Cities Reduce Traffic Congestion. LYT.

MapQuest. (2024). Traffic Congestion: Innovative Solutions for a Smoother Commute. MapQuest.

National Transport Authority. (2024). Dublin City Transport Plan Changes – Information for SPSV operators. National Transport Authority.

PwC. (2024). Tackling traffic congestion in urban areas. PwC.

Time. (2024). How Cities Are Clamping Down on Traffic to Help Fight Emissions. Time.

Trinity College Dublin. (2024). Response to Draft Dublin City Centre Transport Plan. Trinity College Dublin.

Village Magazine. (2024). New report says Transport Plan would reduce retail spending in the city centre by €141,253,366 in 2028. Village Magazine.

Vox. (2024). NYC's congestion pricing is unpopular—for now. Vox.

We Are Dublin Town. (2024). Draft Dublin City Centre Transport Plan 2023 Summary. We Are Dublin Town.

World Economic Forum. (2024). Seven ways cities around the world are tackling traffic. World Economic Forum.

In this episode of The Urbanist’s Lens, hosts Drew and Clark explore the transformative role of Green Building Codes in shaping sustainable cities. As climate change accelerates and urban populations grow, cities are turning to eco-friendly building standards to reduce environmental impact and enhance urban resilience. This episode delves into the core principles of green building codes, examining how they promote energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable materials in modern architecture.

Focusing on Iloilo City’s proposed Green Architecture Ordinance, Drew and Clark discuss how local governments can implement policies that incentivize sustainable urban development while balancing economic feasibility. They also highlight global case studies—from Switzerland’s mandatory green roofs to Austin’s energy-efficient regulations—illustrating how cities worldwide are redefining urban planning through eco-conscious design.

Join Drew and Clark as they unpack the long-term effects of green building policies on urban form, public health, and economic development. From reducing the urban heat island effect to fostering climate resilience, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of sustainable city-building.

The Urbanist's Lens is written and produced by Andro Madrogaba.

REFERENCES

Department of Public Works and Highways. (n.d.). Philippine Green Building Code user guide.

Iloilo City government eyes 'green architecture' ordinance. (2023, July 19). Philippine Information Agency.

Iloilo City drafts code for energy efficiency, conservation. (2023, September 8). Philippine News Agency.

UN-Habitat. (n.d.). Sustainable urban development and green building strategies.

US Green Building Council. (n.d.). Green building codes.

World Green Building Council. (2013). The business case for green building: A review of the costs and benefits for developers, investors, and occupants.

In this episode of The Urbanist’s Lens, hosts Drew and Clark explore the complexities of zoning laws and heritage preservation amid rapid urban development. Focusing on the recent approval of an 11-storey mixed-use building on the historic North Shore Gas Co. site in Crows Nest, they examine the tensions between conservation efforts and the push for modernization. Through expert insights and case studies, they discuss how zoning regulations shape urban landscapes, the role of heritage overlays, and the challenges of balancing economic growth with cultural preservation. The episode also delves into strategies that cities can adopt to safeguard historic sites while fostering sustainable development.

The Urbanist’s Lens is written and produced by Andro Madrogaba.

REFERENCES

Fuse Architects. (2024, December 10). 5.10.10 success: Approval for adaptive reuse. Fuse Architects.

Robinson, J. (2024, November 13). Mixed-use tower approved in Crows Nest. Urban.com.au.

The Urban Developer. (2022, June 15). Developer pitches $55m adaptive reuse tower. The Urban Developer.

Vaia. (2024, September 1). Heritage zoning: Definition & techniques. Vaia.

WCL American University. (2023, June 20). Managing urban development with cultural heritage preservation. WCL American University.

In this episode of The Urbanist’s Lens, hosts Drew and Clark dive into the pressing issue of urban displacement and the unintended consequences of redevelopment projects. Centering on Houston’s Third Ward, they examine how a $22 million office building—meant to counteract gentrification—has instead sparked concerns over community displacement and the misallocation of resources. Through expert insights and real-world examples, Drew and Clark explore how rising property values, increased rents, and large-scale infrastructure projects often push out long-time residents in the name of progress.The episode also unpacks key lessons from past cases of urban displacement, highlighting policies and community-driven solutions that can help cities strike a balance between revitalization and equity. From affordable housing initiatives to tenant protections and participatory planning.

The Urbanist's Lens is written and produced by Andro Madrogaba.

REFERENCES

Demsas, J. (2024, September 3). Who’s responsible for the housing crisis? The Atlantic.

Dellinger, H. (2025, January 15). A Houston agency was supposed to help Third Ward fight gentrification. It built a $22M tower instead. Houston Chronicle.

ELGL. (2021, June 15). Podcast: Land use & sprawl in Houston with William Fulton, Rice University.

Monument Lab. (n.d.). Plot of Land - Ep. 10: We have to be creative as hell.

Urban Displacement Project. (n.d.). Radio - Urban Displacement Project.

Urban Displacement Project. (n.d.). What are gentrification and displacement?

In this episode of The Urbanist’s Lens, hosts Drew and Clark dive into the complex world of green gentrification—when well-intentioned environmental initiatives unintentionally displace long-standing communities. Using the controversy surrounding Manhattan’s Elizabeth Street Garden as a focal point, they explore the tensions between preserving cherished green spaces and addressing urgent needs for affordable housing. Drew and Clark unpack how eco-friendly urban projects, designed to enhance city living, can sometimes lead to rising property values, cultural erosion, and the displacement of vulnerable residents. They also examine global case studies, highlighting how cities are grappling with the challenge of balancing sustainability with social equity. From policy pitfalls to community-led solutions, this episode sheds light on the pressing question: Can we create greener cities without pushing people out?

The Urbanist’s Lens is written and produced by Andro Madrogaba.

REFERENCES

Anguelovski, I., Connolly, J. J. T., Cole, H., García-Lamarca, M., & Triguero-Mas, M. (2022). Green gentrification in European and North American cities. Nature Communications, 13, Article 3771. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-31572-1

Cole, H. V. S., Triguero-Mas, M., Connolly, J. J. T., & Anguelovski, I. (2019). Determining the health benefits of green space: Does gentrification matter? Health & Place, 57, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2019.02.001

Gould, K. A., & Lewis, T. L. (2017). Green gentrification: Urban sustainability and the struggle for environmental justice. Routledge.

Rigolon, A., & Németh, J. (2018). "We're not in the business of housing": Environmental gentrification and the nonprofitization of green infrastructure projects. Cities, 81, 71–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2018.03.016

Rigolon, A., & Németh, J. (2020). Green gentrification or 'just green enough': Do park location, size and function affect whether a place gentrifies or not? Urban Studies, 57(2), 402–420. https://doi.org/10.1177/0042098019849380

Wolch, J. R., Byrne, J., & Newell, J. P. (2014). Urban green space, public health, and environmental justice: The challenge of making cities 'just green enough'. Landscape and Urban Planning, 125, 234–244. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2014.01.017

In this episode of The Urbanist’s Lens, hosts Drew and Clark delve into the complexities of building height regulations and their impact on urban growth and community dynamics. Focusing on the recent debates in Tuncurry, Australia, they explore how conflicting decisions by the MidCoast Council—rejecting one high-rise for exceeding height limits while approving another—sparked discussions on consistency, community trust, and sustainable development. Drew and Clark unpack the challenges cities face when balancing the push for urban expansion with preserving neighborhood character and livability. They also take a global perspective, examining how cities like Washington D.C. and Paris handle height restrictions, offering insights into the broader implications of these policies on urban planning. This episode highlights the ongoing debate between fostering growth and protecting the unique fabric of communities.

The Urbanist’s Lens is written and produced by Andro Madrogaba

REFERENCES

Berg, R. (2012, July 21). Congress takes new look at low-slung Washington. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/22/us/congress-takes-new-look-at-low-slung-washington.html

Brown, E. (2012, May 25). Is it time for D.C. to grow up? The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved from https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304707604577422360879583528

Committee of 100 on the Federal City. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Committee_of_100_on_the_Federal_City

Height of Buildings Act of 1910. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Height_of_Buildings_Act_of_1910

MidCoast Council. (2019, January 18). 6. Residential apartment buildings, mixed use development and business premises. Retrieved from https://www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/document-resources/development/stage-2/planning-rules/great-lakes-region/great-lakes-dcp/6-residential-apartment-buildings-mixed-use-development-and-business-premises-18-01-2019.pdf

MidCoast Council. (2019, January 18). 16. Site specific development controls. Retrieved from https://www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/document-resources/development/stage-2/planning-rules/great-lakes-region/great-lakes-dcp/16-site-specific-development-controls-18-01-2019.pdf

MidCoast Council. (2024, April 26). Appendix 3: Assessment of residential areas. Retrieved from https://hdp-au-prod-app-midcst-haveyoursay-files.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/8817/1427/4667/Appendix_3_-_Assessment_of_Residential_Areas_Ver_26_April_2024.pdf

MidCoast Council. (2024, April 26). MidCoast planning proposal. Retrieved from https://issuu.com/midcoastcouncil/docs/midcoast_planning_proposal_ver_26_april_2024

MidCoast Council. (2020). MidCoast housing strategy. Retrieved from https://issuu.com/midcoastcouncil/docs/mcc_housing_strategy

National Capital Planning Commission. (n.d.). Historical background on the Height of Buildings Act Part I (A): History. Retrieved from https://www.ncpc.gov/heightstudy/docs/Historical_Background_on_the_Height_of_Buildings_Act_%28draft%29.pdf

Sernovitz, D. J. (2012, July 19). House weighs easing D.C. height limits. Washington Business Journal. Retrieved from https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/blog/2012/07/house-weighs-easing-dc-height-limits.html

Sernovitz, D. J. (2012, November 16). After 102 years, a height limit study. Washington Business Journal. Retrieved from https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/blog/2012/11/after-102-years-a-height-limit-study.html

In this episode of The Urbanist’s Lens, hosts Drew and Andrea explore the groundbreaking ideas of Jane Jacobs as presented in her seminal book The Death and Life of Great American Cities. The episode dives deep into Jacobs' bold critique of 1950s urban planning policies, which prioritized large-scale developments and top-down approaches that often-disrupted thriving communities.

The Urbanist’s Lens is written and produced by Andro Madrogaba.

REFERENCES

Jacobs, J. (1961). The death and life of great American cities. Random House.

Flint, A. (2009). Wrestling with Moses: How Jane Jacobs took on New York's master builder and transformed the American city. Random House.

Klemek, C. (2011). The transatlantic collapse of urban renewal: Postwar urbanism from New York to Berlin. University of Chicago Press.

Laurence, P. L. (2016). Becoming Jane Jacobs. University of Pennsylvania Press.

Page, M., & Mennel, T. (Eds.). (2011). Reconsidering Jane Jacobs. APA Planners Press.

Schubert, D. (Ed.). (2014). Contemporary perspectives on Jane Jacobs: Reassessing the impacts of an urban visionary. Ashgate.

Zipp, S. (2010). Manhattan projects: The rise and fall of urban renewal in Cold War New York. Oxford University Press.

In this episode of The Urbanist’s Lens, hosts Drew and Andrea dive into the complex world of land reclamation projects in Metro Manila, focusing on major developments like Manila Waterfront City and Pasay Harbor City. They explore how these large-scale initiatives are reshaping the urban landscape, offering potential solutions to Metro Manila’s chronic congestion while driving economic growth through expanded commercial and residential spaces.

The Urbanist’s Lens is written and produced by Andro Madrogaba.

REFERENCES

Cabuenas, J. V. D. (2021, March 22). Another Manila Bay reclamation project scores PCC approval. GMA News Online. Retrieved from https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/companies/781013/another-manila-bay-reclamation-project-scores-pcc-approval/story/

Manila Waterfront City Development Project (Reclamation of 318 Hectare Land). (n.d.). Public-Private Partnership Center. Retrieved from https://ppp.gov.ph/ppp_projects/manila-waterfront-development/

Pasay Harbor City Corporation. (n.d.). Our Projects. Retrieved from https://harborcityph.com/our-projects/

Philippine Reclamation Authority. (2018). Proposed Manila Waterfront City Reclamation Project City of Manila. Environmental Impact Assessment. Retrieved from https://eia.emb.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/AA-EIS-Manila-Waterfront-City-4.pdf

Philippine Reclamation Authority. (2018). Proposed 265 Hectare Pasay Harbour Reclamation Project. Project Description Report. Retrieved from https://eia.emb.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/PDR-for-posting.pdf

Ronda, R. A. (2022, August 29). Waterfront Manila Premier Development Inc. PhilStar Global. Retrieved from https://www.philstar.com/business/2022/08/29/2205981/waterfront-manila-premier-development-inc

Rosales, E. F. (2019, October 1). Pasay City reclamation project gets PCC's nod. BusinessMirror. Retrieved from https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/10/01/pasay-city-reclamation-project-gets-pccs-nod/

The Manila Times. (2025, January 8). Pasay 360: A closer look at PBBM's legacy for PH's sustainable economic development. Retrieved from https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/01/08/business/top-business/pasay-360-a-closer-look-at-pbbms-legacy-for-phs-sustainable-economic-development/2032487

In this episode of The Urbanist’s Lens, hosts Drew and Andrea explore the growing debate around banning dark-colored roofs in Australian cities as a strategy to combat urban heat islands and promote sustainable urban design. They examine the science behind how dark roofs contribute to higher urban temperatures and the role they play in increasing energy consumption. The discussion covers policy proposals, such as New South Wales' attempted ban on dark roofs and South Australia’s proactive steps in eliminating them in new developments, highlighting the challenges and benefits of these initiatives. Drew and Andrea also delve into the broader implications for urban planning, from energy efficiency gains to the complexities of policy enforcement and public reception. The conversation offers a critical look at how design choices, like roof color, can significantly impact urban livability and climate resilience.

The Urbanist's Lens is written and produced by Andro Madrogaba.

REFERENCES

Heshmat Mohajer, H. R., Ding, L., & Santamouris, M. (2022). Developing heat mitigation strategies in the urban environment of Sydney, Australia. Buildings, 12(7), 903. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12070903

Irfeey, A. M. M., Chau, H.-W., Sumaiya, M. M. F., Wai, C. Y., Muttil, N., & Jamei, E. (2023). Sustainable mitigation strategies for urban heat island effects in urban areas. Sustainability, 15(14), 10767. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151410767

Santamouris, M., Haddad, S., Fiorito, F., Osmond, P., Ding, L., Prasad, D., & Wang, R. (2020). Urban overheating and cooling potential in Australia: An evidence-based review. Climate, 8(11), 126. https://doi.org/10.3390/cli8110126

Pfautsch, S., & Paolini, R. (2024, March 1). If you've got a dark roof, you're spending almost $700 extra a year to keep your house cool. UNSW Newsroom. Retrieved from https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2024/03/dark-roof-spending-almost-700-extra-year-keep-house-cool

Sweltering Cities. (2024, May 8). New report: How hot are Sydney’s dark roofs? Retrieved from https://swelteringcities.org/2024/05/08/dark-roofs/