Eric Parker, AIA

Announcing PlacemakingUS's "Public Realm Roundtable!" A national and international gathering of #publicspace and #placemaking leaders in NYC June 13-16. 🗽 The Public Realm Roundtable is a national gathering of government and supporting organizations who build, maintain and enliven public space. New York City’s Mayor Adams, business districts and the Alliance for Public Space Leadership​ have come together to forge a new position in government, the Director of the Public Realm. This revolutionary new role could become a best practice that the top cities across America should want to pursue. A gathering of those responsible for the public realm including parks departments, property management bureaus, public works managers, and government-adjacent players like BIDs, “Friends of” organizations and conservancies will convene in New York City this June to have a series of thematic roundtable discussions to share good practices, innovations and discuss pain points in our collaborative and emergent work to create praise-worthy public realms. Key Topics of Discussion 🤔 Catalyzing and Keeping Cross-Department Synergies to Complete Vast Transformation 🤔 Maintenance and Enlivening of Spaces with Partners through Permits, MOUs, and License Agreements​ 🤔 Equity and Anti-gentrification Tactics 🤔 The Next Frontier: Reforming Already-Existing Public Spaces for Better Use: 🤔 When Streets, Sidewalks, Parking Spaces, Buffers and Margins become new centers of Public Gathering ​ 🤔 Making the Case: Connecting the Realm to its Outcomes like Health, Economy, Climate, Sociability and other positives outcomes to attract partners and ease permissions https://lnkd.in/enN6e8mt The event is in collaboration with Ya-Ting Liu and her NYC Office of the Public Realm, Pratt Urban Placemaking and Management, NYU Marron Institute of Urban Management, Social Life Project, PlacemakingX, Street Plans and many more. Further details for sign-up coming soon! Global #PlacemakingX leaders participating so far include Daniela Chacon Arias, Guillermo Bernal, Ramon Marrades, Lex de Jong 莱克斯, Tim Tompkins, Madeleine Spencer, Ryan Smolar, Ethan Kent, Mike Lydon, David Burney, Fred Kent and others... #NYCPublicSpace #PlacemakingUS #PlacemakingNYC #PlaceGovernance

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🎨 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗔𝗿𝘁 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹𝗸𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗙𝗔𝗖 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹! 🛠 We’re excited to share the CARFAC National Public Art Toolkit, designed to set a baseline for best practices in public art projects. This resource supports both artists and commissioners with clear standards for contracts and payment. Public art is a collaborative effort requiring the dedication and expertise of professional artists—much like architects and engineers. This Toolkit reflects input from a wide range of stakeholders, including artists, commissioners, and third-party groups, ensuring it meets the needs of the entire public art community. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲: ✔ Glossary of Terms ✔ Contract Recommendations for Artists and Commissioners ✔ Public Art Minimum Recommended Fee Schedule This living document will be regularly updated to stay current with the evolving landscape of public art. Check it out and enhance your public art projects with these essential guidelines linked below! 👇 #PublicArt #CARFAC #ArtToolkit #ArtsBestPractices #ArtInCanada

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Lighting design can make or break a kitchen or bath.💡Surprisingly NKBA's 2023 Design Trends report found that nearly three of out four designers feel their knowledge of lighting techniques and products is limited. Our fantastic research team responded to this skills gap with a report to inspire and empower our members to strengthen their lighting design skills and elevate their businesses to the next level. One of the study's key findings is that it truly pays off when the designer owns the lighting for a project, rather than leaving it to the architect, builder, general contractor, electrician, or the homeowner. When it comes to design, lighting is too important to be an afterthought, and it's not enough to simply meet International Residential Code. The new report, included with all NKBA memberships, covers lighting design tips, an in depth look at layered lighting, budgeting considerations, and recommendations for continued education. Click here for the Lighting In Kitchen & Bath Design report: https://bit.ly/3RNLwEb

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"Traditional 2D blueprints, while useful, can be challenging for stakeholders to interpret. 3D models bridge this gap by providing realistic, immersive visualizations that anyone can understand. School administrators, board members, and community stakeholders can easily grasp spatial relationships, proportions, and the overall impact of proposed changes. This improved visualization leads to more informed decision-making and fewer misunderstandings during the planning phase."

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Designed by Leers Weinzapfel Associates, #MassTimber in conjunction with light-frame wood will bring a low embodied carbon approach along with biophilia to affordable housing, combining environmental sustainability with social equity, diversity and inclusion. Read More Here: https://lnkd.in/g8jH75CQ Tom Sung-Jin Chung Arnie Didier Global Design News

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Buildings need to be strong, sustainable, efficient, resilient and, maybe most importantly, healthy! Join me in August for a webinar focused on occupant wellbeing and healthy buildings.

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In episode 335, Jon Baker, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP joins to discuss the different pathways to architectural licensure offered by National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). The conversation covers the importance of licensure, initiatives like the IPAL program, and the need for practical experience to be integrated with education. The discussion also highlights the ongoing efforts to evolve architectural education and licensure to meet the needs of the profession now and in the future, while promoting diversity and inclusion. 👉 https://lnkd.in/dmVCqZiu TL;DL key takeaways from this episode: • The importance of licensure and the different pathways available through organizations like NCARB. • The integration of practical experience with education to become a well-rounded architect. • The ongoing efforts to evolve architectural education and licensure to meet the needs of the profession, including promoting diversity and inclusion. • Overcoming barriers in the architecture profession and expanding career options through licensure. • The value of understanding and addressing criticisms and misconceptions regarding licensure pathways. • The need for flexibility in licensure pathways to cater to individual needs and circumstances. • The role of NCARB in collaborating with other organizations and stakeholders to address the evolving needs of licensure candidates. • The significance of incorporating competency models and data-driven decisions in shaping licensure pathways. • The role of architecture professionals in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the profession, particularly in relation to licensure pathways.

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What do you think about the streets, sidewalks, plazas, and parks in your town or city? Are they accessible and welcoming to everyone? Public space is the connective tissue that binds neighborhoods and cities together. It can make all the difference in how strong or resilient a community is in achieving goals like economic development, sustainability, and collaboration among local stakeholders. I’m a strong advocate for Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) as a framework for impactful public-private partnerships. These nifty non-profit orgs are designed to strengthen economic development and quality of life in urban centers by way of managing public spaces. But while BIDs have great potential once the org is up and running with the right leadership, they are often complex and slow to set up. So I think it’s time for state and local government to focus on a new era of BIDs; to reimagine the BID model so it can play a more proactive role in shaping the many dynamic urban centers that drive society's innovation today. Here’s why BIDs matter Complexity of City Improvement: Cities face a range of challenges, from aging infrastructure to the balancing act between growth and environmental goals. As public-private partnerships, BIDs address these challenges through a unified, collaborative approach. Why BIDs are a Solution: BIDs focus on improving public spaces, safety, and economic vitality through collective action. By pooling resources and expertise, BIDs can drive targeted improvements that benefit the whole community. Targeted Impact: With the right framework, BIDs can enhance public spaces, foster local business growth, and create safer, more sustainable environments, paving the way for healthier, stronger neighborhoods. Example in Action: Times Square, New York City The Times Square Alliance (One of NYC's 77 BIDs) has been instrumental in transforming one of the busiest intersections in the world. Faced with the challenge of balancing high pedestrian traffic, aging infrastructure, and economic growth, the BID collaborated with the city to redesign the area into a pedestrian plaza. This new approach to activating public space not only improved safety and accessibility but also supported local businesses by creating a more inviting environment. The initiative also addressed environmental goals by introducing green infrastructure like stormwater management systems and pedestrian-friendly spaces. As a result, one of the most historic roads in the country is leading the way to a more pedestrian friendly public realm, and commercial properties along the corridor are reaping the benefits of this new approach. How can we make BIDs more responsive and effective in today’s fast-evolving cities? I’d love to hear your thoughts! I have a few more thoughts of my own here: https://lnkd.in/eT7dNuKr #BusinessImprovementDistricts #Cities #EconomicDevelopment #Downtowns

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At Via Collective, we believe in the power of innovative design and sustainable practices. The recent article by Nature, "How green spaces benefit city residents' well-being," underscores the critical role urban planning plays in creating healthier, more livable cities. The research highlights the profound impact of green spaces on mental and physical health, emphasizing the need for thoughtful integration of nature into urban environments. As advocates for sustainable urban design, we're inspired by these findings and committed to incorporating green solutions that enhance well-being and foster community resilience. Together, let's create urban landscapes that not only meet our functional needs but also nourish our minds and bodies. 🌱🏙️ https://lnkd.in/ecKNrVPi #SustainableDesign #UrbanPlanning #GreenSpaces #WellBeing #ViaCollective

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Bulk controls are a foundational aspect of planning and zoning in America, and come from a time when planning and exclusion were intertwined. With advances in building technology, safety, and environmental regulations, as well as increased recognition of bulk controls use as a tool of exclusion, these long-used tools need to be reexamined. #housingpolicy #housing #homebuilding

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I am excited to share the news that "Salty Urbanism: A Design Manual for Coastal Zones" by Jeffrey Erwin Huber, FAIA, ASLA, LEED AP in collaboration with Florida Atlantic University, is now available for purchase! Please consider purchasing and sharing this notification!   "Salty Urbanism is a design manual to address sea level rise and climate change for urban areas in coastal zones. It is a concept that refers to the ways in which cities and urban areas will respond and adapt to rising sea levels and the accompanying increase in salinity of coastal and near-coastal land. This phenomenon is caused by a combination of factors, including global warming, sea-level rise, and human development along coastlines."  This book is a must have guide for those dedicated to developing resilient and sustainable coastal communities. https://lnkd.in/e7-hPexA

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LEED GA Exam Prep Course, Online May 9 - 10, 9 - 12:30 pm ET: https://buff.ly/3UfVQFf @GBA_pgh #LEED #building #buildings #construction #architecture #design #electrification #engineering #energyefficiency #energy #emissions #decarbonization #builtenvironment #greenbuilding

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In preparation for the 2024 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 2024 Innovative Housing Showcase (this week, June 7-9), Mathew Ford & Jason Van Nest are reviewing the 2023 discussions -- and even feeding past transcripts through AI to learn where to dig deeper before packing our suitcases. Here's the high-level summary of the ICC's hosted discussions. What a difference a year will make. ----------------------------------------------------------- Summary of the 2023 International Code Council Off Site Construction Summit Innovation and Disbursement in Home Building Community The summit began with a discussion around the challenges in innovation and disbursement within the home building community, with a specific focus on various construction methods such as modular, penalized construction, and 3D printing. The speakers underlined the need for a comprehensive report that could serve as a catalyst for industry action, helping to identify and address these challenges. Preservation and Long-Term Affordability The conversation then shifted to the preservation of affordable housing and the need to extend the long-term affordability requirement of housing tax credits beyond 30 years. The speakers proposed several strategies, including the lift of rental assistance demonstration cap for public housing and various proposals to support rural rental housing. Access to Housing and Landlord Participation The issue of access to housing was highlighted next, with a strong focus on the Housing Choice Voucher Program. The speakers emphasized the need to improve landlord participation in the program as only one in four eligible households were currently utilizing it. The speakers suggested addressing administrative burdens and inspection issues that dissuade landlords from participating in the program. Off-Site Construction as a Solution The summit then turned its focus on off-site construction and its potential benefits in addressing the affordable housing crisis. The speakers listed several benefits of off-site construction, including streamlined building processes, cost savings, efficient labor utilization, and less waste production. However, they also acknowledged the barriers such as the patchwork of state and local regulatory requirements and the lack of consumer awareness. A Look at Future Initiatives The summit concluded with a look at future initiatives, including potential legislation to promote off-site construction, the need for flexible regulations, and the importance of public housing authorities having more autonomy. The speakers also highlighted the need for more research and knowledge sharing in the field of off-site construction, and the importance of innovation in driving down construction costs. In the end, the speakers expressed optimism about the potential of off-site construction to address the housing crisis and invited attendees to continue exploring these topics at future events and through various resources.

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LEED GA Exam Prep Course, Online May 9 - 10, 9 - 12:30 pm ET: https://buff.ly/3UfVQFf @GBA_pgh #LEED #building #buildings #construction #architecture #design #engineering #energyefficiency #energy #emissions #decarbonization #builtenvironment #electrification #greenbuilding

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A new report by the Trust for Public Land explores the economic impact of parks and green spaces through case studies of five US cities. Our Executive Director Daphne Bond-Godfrey is featured in the report's Atlanta section, where she highlights how "developers are now thinking in really nuanced ways about open space, the pedestrian experience, and programming real estate to meet these needs." The report also emphasizes how parks support public health and environmental sustainability. To read it in full, click the following link: https://lnkd.in/eBvWY99f

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Baby boomers, the largest generational cohort ever in America at their peak, are retiring. 10,000 Americans turn 65 everyday. BY 2050, an estimated 88 million Americans, 20% of the population, are going to be of retirement age and older. Not far behind boomers is GenX. Less than 5% of America's cities and suburbs meet the criteria of 'walkable'. We have a current crisis of social isolation that will only be exacerbated as an unprecedented number of Americans move into their elder years. As we continue to design new communities and redesign and retrofit many of our existing communities, the American Association of Retired People (AARP) has some excellent guidance on creating Livable Communities. If some of this guidance sounds familiar, it's because thoughtful, well-designed urbanism is appropriate for most every generational cohort..from kids through to elders. #walkability #urbanism #socialisolation #urbandesign #AARP

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