For almost 20 years I have co-chaired the committee in Baltimore to affect better planning and urban design in Baltimore and the region. In that time we have advocated, influenced and instigated for the case of "design thinking" and "place making". We have developed concepts and ideas (the "downtown renaissance" workshops in 1992, the Arena replacement in 2010), advocated for sticking with good masterplans (Harbor East) and participated in numerous workshops and committees. We are assisting in midwifing a brandnew zoning code, we have created a white paper on sustainability and we are monitoring the Westside and adherence to the memorandum of agreement protecting historic assets.
In considering how to best tell this story of volunteer intervention through leveraging of our professional skills, we decided to find other architect volunteers and AIA chapters in other cities who have done similar work. The response was almost overwhelming. We find that architect volunteers are active in many cities (growing and shrinking ones) creatively trying to find answers to the question how the American city of the 21st century should look like.
In Los Angelos the chair of the Planning Commission is an architect, engaged in making sound planning policy a tenet of this huge, growing and sprawling city which for many was an antithesis to the term "city" not long ago. Under the reign of Mayor Villeraigosa LA has spurned an entirely new approach that includes transit, walkability and a viable downtown. http://www.uli-la.org/node/366
In Detroit AIA is engaged in an even more ambitious undertaking of re-defining the drastically shrunk city, protecting the valuable assets while turning abandonment into new opportunities. http://www.architectmagazine.com/infill/uptight.aspx?printerfriendly=true
Seattle is trying to tie its many disjointed neighborhoods into a more comprehensive approach, strong urban design committees polish their successful cities of New York and Boston even further.
Below our preliminary presentation description:
The knowledge of an architect is usually interdisciplinary and holistic, a valuable skill in problem solving. Learn how architects as a group of volunteers can be effective in their community as activists for the community, advocates for good design and ambassadors for their profession. Learn how local AIA Chapters through their Urban Design Committees or through work with city agencies from various regions across the United States have been activists, advocates and ambassodors and how they have helped shape their city and region in the process and built credibility with government agencies and the public. The presentation will address how local architects can get involved into urban design and help to be of service to their local profession and city. Presentations from Baltimore, Detroit and Los Angeles will highlight their experienceswith affordable housing sustainability, waterfront masterplanning, transportation strategies, healthy city initiatives, form based zoning , preservation as economic development, , media work and public outreach.
The committee's presentations will stress the importance of collective efforts to support the ongoing renewal of communities, the advancement of good design, and the value of the design profession. The presenters will demonstrate mechanisms to build social capital for the community as well as the profession. Presenters will further show the importance of public policy and the value of long range planning based on professional principles.
See how architects active in committees and governance provide guidance for critical urban developments and issues and improve the quality of life for all citizens. See how to employ a variety of strategies , such as research of best practices, white papers, design ideas, editorials, podcasts and organized public forums.
Collaboration with the community, developers, politicians and public agencies is essential in fufilling this mission of design professionals. Urban Design Committees and participation of architects on commissions and bodies of governance play a vital role in providing professional know how to the community and city government. These partnerships enhance and expand the language and importance of design to the larger community.
Urban design committees are often recognized as leaders for knowledge about urban design and development. They are invited to provide critical review or to partner with communities and public agencies. Thus they reinforce AIA's role as a leader among professionals and the larger community.
Across America, cities operate under vastly different pressures and trends. This session offers a glimpse of how the profession is addressing and advancing quality urban design for shrinking and growing cities. Attendees will have an understanding of effective organizational structure and strategies that promote AIA's strategic vision for sustainable cities.
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