Crypto News: Why cities should embrace 'messiness'

While rules and regulations allow cities to function, a new book cautions against overly prescriptive planning and makes a case for embracing urban "messiness." Through a series of essays, Messy Cities: Why We Can't Plan Everything argues that leaving room for spontaneity can deliver more livable and vibrant neighborhoods. Think street eateries in East Los Angeles, the mix of formal and informal shops set up by immigrants in Toronto's Kensington Market, and the medley of storefronts in the streets of Tokyo.

In a conversation with contributor Rebecca Greenwald, two of the book's editors, Zahra Ebrahim and Leslie Woo, break down what they mean by "messiness." The book isn't advocating for chaos and confusion, they say, but a more organic, bottom-up approach to city-building. Today on CityLab: In Praise of Urban Disorder

— Linda Poon

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What we're reading

What happens to the educators when the schools have been destroyed? (Nation)
Candles and driveways: San Francisco's mayor focuses on the little things (New York Times)
Data centers told to pitch in as storms and cold weather boost power demand (Conversation)
As some states try to show ICE the door, others put out the welcome mat (NPR)
Why China is building so many coal plants despite its solar and wind boom (Associated Press)