The Commissioner — Winter 2009

Commissioner's Voice

Diversity and Design in the Urban Ecosystem

By David Motzenbecker
Chair, Minneapolis Planning Commission

In 1883, noted landscape architect Horace William Shaler Cleveland laid out an open-space plan for Minneapolis that included a system of parks and parkways focusing on the natural features of the locale. This plan to weave green space throughout the city grid has endured throughout the city's history and has been a rallying cry for the current administration — specifically to "reweave" the urban fabric, creating a strong urban ecosystem.

As with any ecosystem, the more diverse the community, the healthier it is. When a community (whether it be one of plants, neighborhoods, or metropolitan regions) becomes a monoculture, it is easier for that community to become decimated should something dangerous its well-being come on the scene. By creating a diverse urban ecosystem, the city is protecting against the notion that any one thing could bring devastating harm. Also essential to a working urban ecosystem is the idea of a particular "DNA" of the city/region. Best practices are good, but they may not be adaptable to a distinct regional DNA. Planners and commissioners must always pay attention to this rich and unique local context, or be prepared for the homogenization of the cities they love.

This speaks to the notion that to create diverse communities, the creators themselves should also be diverse. Planning paired with good design thinking is essential to this notion. I always seek to surround myself with colleagues who think or approach things differently than I do. This brings unique perspectives to the table that may not come to light should the creators all be of one mindset or of one profession. One thing that is most exciting to me about my city of Minneapolis is that our planning commission has this unique diversity and perspective: Landscape architects, architects, developers, neighborhood activists, and representatives from various boards and commissions all have a place on the commission, voice their distinct perspectives with passion, and are heard with respect. I am confident that due to these divergent viewpoints, we consistently come to more thoughtful and insightful decisions that insist on greatness.

In closing, I encourage you all to have the vision, foresight, and courage to foster diverse urban ecosystems in whatever capacity you can. Push this idea from the macro level of regional planning and urban planning to the more micro level of the composition of professional employees in your planning departments. Do not be afraid to insist on greatness — in planning, in design, in urban revitalization, in development. Push this belief and demand more innovation, beauty, and attention not only from the development and design communities in your city, but also from your own departments and commissions. Anyone who has a stake in building the city, whether literally or figuratively, should not hesitate to be a standard bearer for this ideal.