Welcome to The Friendly Urbanist Blog!

A blog decades in the making with a unique view of urban planning and policy

You could say this website is 30 years in the making. In fact, ever since my cousin bought me my first copy of SimCity to play on my Windows95 PC, I have been in love with cities and how people interact with them. What is it that drives connections or disconnections between people and their urban environment? Is it the built environment? geography? culture? history? or something less tangible? What does placemaking mean? These questions drove me to study in depth the urban reality and to become a thinker and thought leader in this sphere. I was driven to gain advanced studies at world renowned universities, as well as to play more refined and intricate games (read Cities Skylines).

Shant Karabajak - The Friendly Urbanist

What you can expect from The Friendly Urbanist

On this website you can expect to read my thoughts and analysis on various issues of urban policy, my views on some of the most recent research in the field as well as some lighter topics of interest. We will also explore your ideas and make compelling cases for more sustainable friendlier cities.

An essential part of being an urbanist (Friendly or otherwise) is to interact with people in the field. I would love to hear your thoughts about my posts, or your suggestions for topics of interest or even simply to share with me on general issues important for your locality.

Let's keep it friendly

On a more philosophical note, building the Just City requires an open mind. This blog will have discussions pertaining to forms of social justice relevant to urbanism. I ask that the exchanges remain respectful at all times.

Most of all, I hope you have a great time expanding my mind and yours reviewing the different posts and topics on this site and contributing to developing the sustainable and inclusive Just City.

Don't forget to sign up to our newsletter and enjoy!

Shant K.