Despite the aerial imagery so common in architecture and urban design, we do not see, interact with or experience spaces from a bird’s eye perspective. We commute, commune, eat, shop, share and play at ground level. Doing so, we are immersed in the first 20 feet of the vertical space around us. So why aren’t we designing it better?

Density diversifies the public realm.

This Chicago transplant fell in love with the city when a certain neighborhood cafe captured her heart.

In a good urban neighborhood, the ground floors of buildings work symbiotically with the surrounding sidewalks and public spaces. Together they provide a continuous network of pathways and experiences that are active, safe, comfortable and engaging. So how do we get there?

Although Supervisor Jane Kim's proposed housing balance legislation intends to increase the amount of affordable housing in San Francisco's District 6, SPUR analysis indicates that the plan is likely to backfire — resulting in less market-rate housing, not more affordable housing.

SPUR continues to be supportive of the broad outlines of the draft plan. Of primary importance is ensuring significant and high-quality development in the station area to achieve high transit ridership while successfully implementing the placemaking and transportation policies in the plan.

A film festival programmer on cities, disaster films and why it’s OK to love Basic Instinct.

San Francisco’s Civic Center plays host to a market like no other.

The Marin Carbon Project has demonstrated that applying compost to rangeland has clear environmental benefits. Could this be an effective strategy in helping combat climate change?

Alarming health statistics led community groups and city agencies to work together to improve nutrition and a healthier food retail environment in the Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood. Their model for corner store conversions shows promise as a community-driven strategy to improve access to healthy food.

San Francisco’s food and beverage manufacturers and distributors provide a critical link between agricultural producers and consumers in the local food economy. They also support economic and employment diversity within the city. Recognizing the importance of the food industry cluster, city agencies and industry leaders are developing recommendations for how local government can better help these businesses start, stay and grow in the city.

While SPUR continues to be supportive of the overall Diridon Station Area Plan, we maintain that there are specific areas of the plan that could be improved or should be given more attention.