Foreground reads: Our picks from around the web for June

LA is doing water better than your city. Yes, that LA

With climate change on the horizon, Los Angeles is rushing to pull water from surprising sources. The goal: aqueous independence. Source: Wired

Humans v birds: poorly managed urban growth squeezes biodiversity

Melbourne bird survey supports research suggesting native species thrive better if planning includes environmental reserves, rather than backyards. Source: The Guardian

Myall Creek Memorial a symbol of reconciliation as descendants of victims and perpetrators gather

The Myall Creek massacre remains one of the darkest events in Australia’s colonial history. Now 180 years later, the memories of the massacre are laying the foundation for reconciliation. Source: ABC

Garbage in, energy out?

Can Australia learn from India’s war on waste? Source: Inside Story

Mapping Childish Gambino’s Atlanta

Donald Glover’s television series narrates (and critiques) its namesake city through landscapes. Now Adnaan Rasool has mapped the story of Atlanta as told through the songs of some of the city’s most famous rappers. Source: Citylab

Vertical gardens in Mexico City to combat pollution

Mexico is responding to high levels of air pollution with a highway vertical garden called Via Verde. Source: Civil Engineer

Will drones lead to a boom in landscape architecture?

…and could a golden era for urban design lead to the automation of landscape architects? Source: Citylab

Time to rethink the British high street?

Identikit Britain needs a new value system for its cities and small towns, one which empowers individuals and small businesses. Source: The Guardian

How traffic signals favour cars and discourage walking

Traffic signals give priority to motor vehicles over pedestrians. This inequality undermines many of the stated goals of transport, health and environment policy. Source: The Conversation

What’s on your recommended reading list? Let us know: team@foreground.com.au