Urban Planning & Design Conference: Design as a Catalyst for Social Change

NEW YORK - June 2, 2014 - PRLog -- The premier professional organizations in the New York metropolitan area for planning, landscape architecture, architecture, and design are partnering in a day-long conference to explore the ways in which design can serve as a catalyst for positive social change.

Co-hosted by the American Planning Association (APA) New York Metro Chapter, the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) New York Chapter, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) New York Chapter, and desigNYC, this interdisciplinary conference will investigate the importance of design as a key factor in the social and economic development of the New York City, using the Bronx as a case study. The conference Gold sponsor is Unilock and the Silver Sponsor is Victor Stanley.

The conference will showcase a number of developments and planning initiatives in the Bronx that demonstrate how design of the built environment can promote greater social justice. Morning presentations at the New York Botanical Garden will be followed by afternoon tours of Bronx project sites embracing this concept.

Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization Committee:

The HNRC supports the conference that showcases the inclusion of sustainability, resiliency and affordability in existing and proposed developments. NYC's proposal to increase density in 15 neighborhoods to create more affordable housing provides a great challenge and opportunity for attractive, sustainable, and resilient mixed use developments that will support local residents and businesses while minimizing their carbon footprint. The fact that over 50% of NYC residents are unable to compete in the private housing market, creates the need for market transformation from housing as an investment to housing as a social good that can still provide investment benefits.

Environmental Committee:

On Earth Day, Mayor DeBlasio unveiled the annual update to PlaNYC – it marked the first time that the city’s long-term sustainability plan had been shepherded by someone other than Mike Bloomberg.  2014 is a pivotal moment for New York’s design community, as PlaNYC revealed a renewed focus on integrating social equity, environmental stewardship, and the emerging sub-discipline of resilient design.

Young Planners Group (YPG)

For most youth, having a voice in a major decision that changes their community is not an option. But what if youth became key players in the planning of our cities?  The Youth In Planning program engages students in the field of urban planning through participation in design projects that can effect change in their communities.  Students gain the tools to re-envision their neighborhoods as safer, greener and more vibrant places.  Past Youth In Planning projects include a redesign of East Harlem's Peace Place Park, reimagining Corona Plaza in Corona Queens and creating a redevelopment proposal for the East River waterfront.  The Young Planners Group, through Youth In Planning, continues to support and encourage youth to learn how their communities grow and how they can impact change through planning and urban design.