Senior Public Space Planner City of Somerville Somerville, Massachusetts
A network of well-designed streetscapes and public open spaces has measurable social, ecological, and public health benefits that can increase the quality of life for urban dwellers. Creating this network requires careful collaboration between a team of design professionals (landscape architects, architects, civil engineers) and municipal employees representing multiple departments.
This session seeks to explore the inherent challenges of the streetscape/privately-owned public space design process by asking the following questions: Why is it important to advocate for a robust streetscape? What are the challenges/impediments towards achieving a cohesive design? How can private development work with government agencies effectively to craft successful public space?
Learning Objectives:
Identify dimensional factors, connective context cues and material languages that can contribute to a successful streetscape.
Recognize common challenges in streetscape and privately-owned public space design and gain strategies for breaking through these barriers.
Navigate a typical public/private approvals process efficiently in order to create streetscape proposals that satisfy municipalities, developers, and ultimately the general public.
Access valuable resources related to effective streetscape design.
