The Urban Design Committee of the APA Metro Chapter (New York City) is looking for ideas.  Our first project sought answers to questions about how well the planning and design community engages the public and how community-initiated activities help to build and improve the "public space".

Our call for submissions from the New York metropolitan region yielded useful insight into the relationship of civic engagement practices and the products of planning and design.  A volunteer jury of planning professionals gave the Urban Design Committee advice at an all-day session held at the Regional Planning Association.  A white paper on the subject is in draft form and remains available for editing and development, including a slide presentation.  It also includes a summary of findings and plans for a larger workshop.  (See links below)

[read more…]