Story Search Results

Advanced Search

There are so many ways to search the solutions journalism stories in this database. Explore our searchable fields:

Search Results

You searched for: -

There are 265 results for your search. View and Refine Your Search Terms

To solve its housing affordability crisis, Boston has turned to residents

Lauren Greenawalt

November 09, 2018 |

Apolitical |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Boston, Massachusetts

When local policy initiatives fail, it is often because they are not meeting local needs in a way that residents want. The Boston Housing Innovation Lab, know as the iLab, seeks to combat this challenge. So far, it has used creative approaches to let residents “experience” a policy- such as walking through an example compact house to give feedback on its design. This process informed feedback that otherwise would have been difficult to glean. By constantly seeking to understand users, the iLab and local Boston housing groups will be better equipped to create policies that actually help community members.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Reimagining Norman Rockwell's America

Laura Holson

November 08, 2018 |

The New York Times |

Multi-Media |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States

In the midst of a seemingly increasingly divided political and racial landscape, some artists of color are pushing back to create art that represents their own non-White communities. Some artists have chosen to do this by recreating Norman Rockwell’s paintings, which in the earlier part of his career mainly showcased White people. “The image haunted me because of the world we live in,” the artist said, referring to today’s divisive political climate. “I wanted to imagine what it would look like today.”

Read More
Go to Original Story
Calgary's New Public Library Opens with Ambition and Style

Tim Querengesser

November 07, 2018 |

Bloomberg CityLab |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Canada, Calgary

In Calgary, the new Central Library does more than just provide a beautiful space in which to read books. It also provides a place to access technology and acts as a connection space between the more and less affluent areas surrounding it. Though the architecture and design are impressive, some might say the most lasting impact is that “ this space unambiguously welcomes anyone from either side of the tracks.”

Read More
Go to Original Story
Artists Are Painting Trompe L'Oeil Murals to Soothe People with Dementia

Casey Lesser

November 01, 2018 |

Artsy |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Canada, Ottawa

Diversion murals—trompe l’oeil paintings on doorways—are being used in long-term care facilities to quell dementia patients’ exit seeking behavior. Rather than using stop signs or tape, the murals are a way to address this behavior in a way that also improves residents’ quality of life.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Houses intact after Hurricane Michael were often saved by low-cost reinforcements

Patricia Sullivan

October 17, 2018 |

The Washington Post |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Blountstown, Florida

Small, cost-effective improvements to home construction were often the difference between houses that suffered small amounts of damage from Florida hurricanes and those that were destroyed. Knowing to ask for extra nails, strong windows, and hurricane clips for their roof, home owners can not only save their homes but save money from decreased insurance and energy costs.

Read More
Go to Original Story
A New Twist on Salvation

James Meadows

October 16, 2018 |

The Philadelphia Citizen |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Church after church in Philadelphia is being slated for demolition. In times where funding for religious institutions are scarce, Sacred Places, Civic Spaces is trying to repurpose old churches for community use. By working with the Civic Design Center, church leaders will be able to work with free design consultants to reimagine ways that their spaces can add new value to their communities.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Beyond Hot Wings: How Architecture Is Helping Buffalo Make Its Comeback

Joseph Darius Jaafari

October 13, 2018 |

NationSwell |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Buffalo, New York

Buffalo uses its historic architecture to attract international visitors. The city offers tax credits to developers who remodel and renovate old buildings. The effort also helps attract young people back to the city.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Mass tourism is ruining historic cities. Only government can stop it

Jennifer Guay

October 11, 2018 |

Apolitical |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Spain, Barcelona

With tourism on the rise, governments are figuring out how to limit overcrowding and environmental damage. Replicable ideas include marketing beaches and other attractions off the beaten path, regulating hotels and vacation rentals, and even requiring that every tourist must be accompanied by a local guide.

Read More
Go to Original Story
This Radical Bank Will Free People Of Debt By Literally Blowing It Up

Sarah Shearman

October 10, 2018 |

The Huffington Post |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: England, London

The Hoe Street Central Bank is an artist run project that raises money through events taking place in a former bank and sells prints designed to mimic paper money. Through the money they raise, the organization buys and eliminates private debt as well as makes donations to organizations affected by austerity measures.

Read More
Go to Original Story
This Is What Democracy Looks Like

Sarah Holder

October 09, 2018 |

Bloomberg CityLab |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States

Effective visual messaging doesn’t just make political candidates stand out, it can also entice unlikely voters to the polls. The key is to pick up on what people respond to and take risks, including by hiring design firms new to election work.

Read More
Go to Original Story