Urban data platform

5 Outside-The-Box Ideas To Change U.S. Cities For The Better – Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Mayor’s Challenge is uncovering ways “for local governments to improve the way their cities work by taking on social and economic problems, improving customer service, enhancing accountability to the public, and making government work more effectively.”  Among the …

Global Innovation 1000

  Just out – Booz & Co’s Global Innovation 1000: Making Ideas Work.  There are interactive features as well as great charts showing change in R&D spending over time, what industries and regions are spending the most, and many more.  Here’s the full 16-p PDF.  [Note:  Booz & Co is now strategy&. …

Strange world of the Quay Brothers

If you’re in New York anytime through Jan 7 check out the MOMA exhibition Quay Brothers: On Deciphering the Pharmacist’s Prescription for Lip-Reading Puppets.  The exhibit features sets from the brothers’ stop-action animated films, along with posters, book art, and other works on paper.  It’s in the film work, though, …

Self-sustaining city outside Chengdu (AS+GG)

  Tall building specialists reveal concept for 1.3 sq km satellite city outside Chengdu – WAN post about “dense vertical city that acknowledges and in fact embraces the surrounding landscape” just outside of the Chinese city of Chengdu.  Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture envision it as very pedestrian-friendly, with …

Mumbai’s dabbawalas as model

    Mumbai’s Models of Service Excellence – Interesting article suggesting that Mumbai’s dabbawalas, the people who deliver lunches six days a week, serve as an example to managers of a well-designed delivery system. The dabbawala service is legendary for its reliability. Since it was founded, in 1890, it has endured famines, …