Today, cities across the world are shaped by new forms of urbanism, a growing awareness of environmental challenges, and evolving cultural identities. The focus of this two-day program is on developing a broader understanding of how the master planner or designer’s skills contribute to more resilient cities and futures. Panel discussions, field work and interactive activities will explore environmental, economic, and social issues. The sessions will provide perspectives from planners, urban designers, artists, technologists, economists, ecologists, and developers.

This two-day interactive course will explore contemporary cities, seeking a broad understanding of how urban planners and designers contribute to a more resilient future across the world. Today, in all corners of the world, cities are being shaped by new forms of urbanism, a growing awareness of environmental challenges, and evolving cultural identities. Amidst increasing diversity and several years of strong economic and population growth, planners are discovering that cities are rich labs for exploring innovations in areas including: regional and local food systems; arts, culture and place-making, spatial planning and urban design; ecological systems, equity and social justice; and technology.

Participants will use the City of Boston as a laboratory and case study throughout the course, learning from local and international experts, touring key sites and working together to synthesize case studies and their own observations. A series of presentations and discussions will lay the foundation for the course and introduce the breadth of environmental, economic, and social issues that must be addressed at all scales. The panelists will include planners, public officials urban designers, artists, technologists, economists, ecologists, and developers.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
Planners, urban designers, architects, landscape architects, developers, land owners, public officials, and non-profit/advocacy planners.

DATES:
June 29-30, 2017

LOCATION:
Harvard University Campus
Cambridge, MA

CEUs:
14 AIA/CES (HSW) | 14 AICP/CM | 14 LA/CES (HSW)

TUITION:
$1,300.00

INSTRUCTORS:
Brie Hensold, Urban Planner and Principal, Sasaki Associates
James N. Miner, AICP, Managing Principal, Sasaki Associates

GUEST SPEAKERS:
David Hirzel, Principal Emeritus, Sasaki Associates
Fred Merrill, Principal, Sasaki Associates