Welcome to

My Urban Curious Blog: 

Authoritative, Affectionate, and Occasionally Absurd

I have been writing about cities, urban design, and the quirks of how people live together for more than twenty-five years. Some of that writing has been technical, or professional. Some has been quirky, or heartfelt. Some has been—let’s be honest here—slightly absurd, usually after an unusually strong espresso.

All I want for Christmas is an AAA bike lane.
Emilie K. Adin Emilie K. Adin

All I want for Christmas is an AAA bike lane.

if I could unwrap just one thing this Christmas, it would be a connected network of true AAA bike lanes like the gorgeous ones that run through Downtown Vancouver; that lets families ride without fear, guilt, or grinchiness.

Because the best gift a city can give its residents is infrastructure that works to make us and our loved ones safe.

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An Urban Curious Packing List
Emilie K. Adin Emilie K. Adin

An Urban Curious Packing List

It’s that time of year again—the season when many of us are gearing up for winter travel. Maybe you’re off to Europe to wander Germany’s legendary Christmas markets, warmed by spiced wine and the glow of a thousand tiny lights (or perhaps a few steins of beer). Maybe you’re staying closer to home, revisiting a beloved main street or discovering a new one.

Either way, the Urban Curious among us share one instinct: we pack for the journey with our senses switched on.

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Giving Cities the Shape of Justice
Emilie K. Adin Emilie K. Adin

Giving Cities the Shape of Justice

If Cities Were Produce, Mine Would Be Wilted Kale.

Urban planners buy metaphorical produce every day. We convince ourselves that with enough optimism (and maybe a new zoning bylaw), we can fix… everything.

But cities are messy. People are messy. Public spaces are very messy.
And honestly? That’s where the magic is.

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