Pittsburgh might be called the city of surprises. Contrary to a long-lived reputation for smoke and steel, this post-modern metropolis has become a world-class example of a city excelling in the art of self-transformation.
Even after the decline of steel in the 1980s, manufacturing remains a powerful and now more stable part of Pittsburgh’s future. Across its diversified economy jobs flow from a larger stream of businesses, institutions, and startup enterprises in health care, education, information technologies, robotics, fashion, and finance--as well as an array of professional services in engineering, accounting and law.
To these dynamic sectors, Pittsburgh adds the assets of a well-maintained infrastructure, a world-renowned catalog of educational and research institutions, and a calendar of diversions kept full throughout the year. Placed in a landscape that captures the eye with its natural and created vistas, Pittsburgh has used the lessons of change to learn how to look ahead.
Read more about it each week in our sister publication,
Pop City, devoted to Pittsburgh's transformation.
By: Abby Mendelson, 10/23/2008
Is urban agriculture the future of sustainable urban living? Farmers
markets and community gardens are multiplying across the Commonwealth
as more people choose to buy locally produced food--or grow their own.
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By: John Steele, 10/16/2008
As Pennsylvania communities become increasingly engaged with development projects, they are beginning to grapple with the question of brownfield redevelopment--and are making their voices heard.
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By: Joseph Plummer, 10/10/2008
In Pittsburgh, engineers are working with nature to shape spaces and grow buildings--literally. Green rooftops are taking root on some of the Steel City's most distinctive buildings.
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