Re-examining Spaces and Places
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November 6, 2009
New Yorkers interested in the constantly changing face of their city can look forward to two conferences on our present -- and future -- this week. And, not surprisingly in this era of environmental consciousness, both have a green angle.
On Saturday, Nov. 7, the focus will be on the effect of the recession on megaprojects, such as Atlantic Yards. As work on these projects slows, or even comes to a halt, officials, planners and other are reconsidering them, with a view to their social and environmental sustainability.
Hosted by the Institute for Urban Design, "Arrested Development: Do Megaprojects Have a Future?" will features panels of experts discussing megaprojects in suburbs, new towns and the metropolis. The symposium will examine the effects of the global recession on large-scale developments and the ramifications of the re-emergence of megaprojects. The event will be held in Cooper Union's Great Hall.
For more information, go to Arrested Development.
Then on Thursday, Nov. 12, a panel of experts will look at the recent surge of pedestrian zones, bike lanes and greenways in New York and consider how they are changing perceptions about streets, parks, sustainability, environmental justice, public health and finance. Panelists include Noah Budnick of Transportation Alternatives; Richard Gonzalez from the Urban Design Lab at the Earth Institute, Margaret Newman of the city Department of Transportation, Linda Pollak of Marpillero Pollak Architects, and Sheila Somashekhar of Sustainable South Bronx. Barnard College Urban Studies Professor David Smiley will moderate. This even will take place at Barnard College.
For more information, go to Barnard.
