2007 AICP Symposium

The Art of Making Great Places Green Places

October 23, 2007
National Building Museum
Washington, D.C.

Great Places. Green Places. You know them when you see them. But there's more to it than that. In fact, the decisions we make, large and small, all influence the quality of the places we live today and in the future.

The American Planning Association kicked off its Great Places in America Program in 2007, aimed at recognizing places of exceptional character and quality. The program also focuses on approaches to planning communities — at the neighborhood and street level — that are environmentally sensitive and sustainable.

The symposium examined in depth the elements of great places, the connection between place making and green planning, as well as how the climate for planning can encourage a place's creation and conservation. Examples from recognized places selected were shown and there was a discussion with well known place makers and green planning advocates.

Speakers included:

• Ronald Fleming, AICP, the President of Townscape Institute and author of the recently published book The Art of Place Making: Interpreting Community Through Public Art and Urban Design.
• Paul Farmer, FAICP, Executive Director and CEO of the American Planning Association.
• Chris Zimmerman with the Arlington County (Virginia) Board who has been an advocate of the county's legacy of transit-oriented development and managed growth and new urbanism principles.