City Space Architecture meets Pratt Institute in New York City
International Sympoisum + Workshop / Public Space Challenges: from theory to practice to policy
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Graphic design by Lorella Pierdicca, LLdesign.it.
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We are excited to announce our partnership with Pratt Institute in New York City for the organization of the international symposium "Public Space Challenges: from theory to practice to policy" on 25-27 April 2024, as part of the celebration of the 10-year anniversary of City Space Architecture. Read more about our anniversary here.
This symposium is an opportunity to present our work to an American audience and to discuss current challenges for public space, from theory to practice to policy, with high-profile experts.
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Statement from our President Dr Luisa Bravo:
Public space is a key element for sustainable urban development. Despite its broad and context-specific meaning, public space is the social glue that can contribute to advancing mutual trust, cooperation, and solidarity. However, too often public space is not listed as a primary question in the urban agendas of politicians and local governments, but rather as a collateral component, mostly intended as design activity related to landscape urbanism or infrastructure facilities. Major concerns for cities and built environments are defined through different categories and expertise related to housing, services, infrastructure, environmental issues, and technological solutions that also generate investment and provide funding opportunities While academic research on public space is well established through cross disciplinary approaches and investigation, there is a lack of interest or an unprepared expertise in defining a comprehensive urban strategy for local implementation, that is built around humans and their life in the public domain.
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Co-organizers
City Space Architecture
Pratt Institute, Urban Placemaking and Management
Read about previous collaboration here.
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Co-hosts
Luisa Bravo, Founder and President
City Space Architecture
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David Burney, Academic Director
Pratt Institute, Urban Placemaking and Management
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The event is open to the public and free of charge but registration is required.
Fill out this online form no later than April 20.
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FULL PROGRAM OF THE SYMPOSIUM + WORKSHOP
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Venue: Pratt Institute, Brooklyn campus
61 St James Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11238
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DAY 1 - Thursday 25 April 2024
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2pm Welcome
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2.30pm - 4.30pm / Higgins Auditorium
Panel 1: Academic Perspectives on Public Space (research)
Description: Public space research calls for an integrative approach to understand the role of shared spaces in the urban environment and their contributions to cultural, social, and environmental well-being within communities. In response to the challenges associated with the privatization of public space, panelists will engage in discourse around topics that shape the character of communities such as access, inclusivity, power dynamics, democratic values, and participatory approaches. Drawing from their own work and research will form a rich dialogue on the complex interplay between advocacy and design interventions to address ecological approaches and climate transition for sustainable development.
Topics
Privatization of public space
Social justice, democracy and citizen engagement
Ecological and climate transition for sustainable development
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Introduction: Luisa Bravo, City Space Architecture, Italy
The Journal of Public Space
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Moderator: Jacek Ludwig Scarso, London Metropolitan University, United Kingdom
Panelists:
Miodrag Mitrasinovic, Parsons School of Design, USA
Setha Low, City University of New York, The Graduate Center, USA
Andrew Rudd, UN-Habitat, Office of New York, USA
Zehra Kuz, Pratt Institute, USA
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4.30pm - 5.00pm Coffee break
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5pm - 7pm / Higgins Auditorium
Panel 2: Educational Perspectives on Public Space (teaching)
Description: Teaching methodologies around public space education require an interdisciplinary approach to address the complexity of issues that face the public realm. Drawing from fields such as urban planning, anthropology, architecture, sociology, and environmental studies, panelists will engage in discourse around methodologies and tools for a more equitable public realm. From a variety of nonprofits, companies, and universities, the approaches will all share the open-minded and innovative strategies for effective implementation of public space education initiatives.
Topics
Interdisciplinary approach to public space complexity
Re-inventing methodologies and tools for a more equitable public realm
Open-minded and innovative strategies for effective implementation
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Introduction: Luisa Bravo, City Space Architecture, Italy
Public Space Academy
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Moderator: Lance J Brown, Consortium for Sustainable Urbanization, USA
Panelists:
Alice Covatta, University of Montreal, Canada
Anna Rubbo, Columbia University, Center for Sustainable Urban Development, The Climate School, USA
Michelle Pannone, Marywood University, USA
David Burney, Pratt Institute, USA
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DAY 2 - Friday 26 April 2024
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2pm Welcome
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2.30pm - 4.30pm / Higgins Auditorium
Panel 3: Design and Policy-oriented Perspectives on Public Space (design and implementation)
Description: Design and policy are interconnected in the pursuit of effective implementation in the public realm. Panelists will discuss implications for designing public spaces with inclusion, diversity, and universal accessibility in mind, ensuring equitable access and participation for marginalized populations. This panel will bring to light flexible design strategies and community-driven initiatives, such as temporary and spontaneous interventions that activate the public.
Topics
Publicness of the public realm
Temporary and spontaneous interventions: activating the public
Inclusion, diversity and universal accessibility
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Introduction: Luisa Bravo, City Space Architecture, Italy
Mastering Public Space
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Moderator: David Burney, Pratt Institute, USA
Panelists:
Alison Sant, Studio for Urban Projects, USA
David Green, ARUP New York, USA
Stephen Davies, Place Solutions Group, USA
Elizabeth Goldstein, MAS Municipal Art Society of New York, USA
Eduarda Aun, Global Designing Cities Intiative, USA
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4.30pm - 5.00pm Coffee break
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5pm - 7pm / Higgins Auditorium
Panel 4: Art and Cultural Perspectives on Public Space (process)
Description: In advocating for inclusive and participatory approaches to placemaking, art and cultural perspectives play a transformative role in the identity and significance of public spaces. This panel will center around the dynamic relationship between art, culture, and public space. Panelists will discuss the collaborative nature of these types of activities, the potential for co-production and participatory placemaking, wherein community members alongside artists and local stakeholders work together to design and activate public spaces.
Topics
Creative practices in public space
Co-production and participatory placemaking
Public art and the role of artists in the construction of identities and meanings
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Introduction: Luisa Bravo, City Space Architecture, Italy
Museo Spazio Pubblico [Public Space Museum]
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Moderator: Tim Tompkins, New York University, USA
Panelists:
Jacek Ludwig Scarso, London Metropolitan University, United Kingdom
Deborah Marton, Van Alen Institute, USA
Elena Madison, Project for Public Spaces, USA
John Bela, Bela Urbanism, USA
Ryan Smolar, PlacemakingUS, USA
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DAY 3 - Saturday 27 April 2024
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10.00 Welcome
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10.30am - 1.00pm
Room 210 Main Hall Brooklyn Campus
Workshop: Anatomy of Public Space. Do you know your urban body?
Introduction: Luisa Bravo, City Space Architecture, Italy
Shaping Human Environments
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Federico Messa, Transform Transport, Italy
Valeria Pagliaro, LAND Canada
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Light lunch 1.00 - 2.30pm
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2.30 - 5.00pm
Room 210 Main Hall Brooklyn Campus
Cinema event: Urban Visions Film Festival
in collaboration with UnionDocs Center for Documentary Art
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Introduction: Luisa Bravo, City Space Architecture, Italy
Urban Humanities Beyond the Ideal City
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Christopher Allen, UnionDocs, USA
Pam Sporn, Grito Productions, USA
Chris Nicols, XFR Collective, USA
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Screening of selected short films from the Urban Visions Film Festival, promoted by City Space Architecture and part of the European project A-Place, co-funded by the Creative Europe programme of the European Union.
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