Transforming Urban Public Space: Addressing Climate Change, Accessibility, and Social Inclusion

Among the more problematic effects climate change imposes on urban planners are the challenges of creating and re-purposing public spaces that mitigate urban heat islands and alleviate threats from intense rain events and flooding while positively impacting communities.

In this session, we will learn from three different projects.

- The Moakley Park Vision Plan, presented by the City of Boston, transforms one of its largest waterfront open spaces from a largely single-use recreational facility into a resilient and multi-functional community park. The project includes coastal resilient infrastructure, innovative stormwater management strategies, and biodiverse planting.

- The Avinguda del Vallès in the Metropolregion Barcelona; an integrated action plan fostering public transport and active mobility, reducing externalities and social segregation, and unlocking opportunities for urban regeneration.

- Crystal City in Arlington County. The recently developed Amazon Headquarters has a ripple effect of redevelopment through a new plan that removes hard boundaries between business and the surrounding community, between built structures and nature.

Experts from each project will answer questions and discuss how these solutions can be replicated in your city.

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Presentation Transforming Urban Public Space - Cathy Baker-Eclipse

Presentation Transforming Urban Public Space - Joan Caba

Presentation Transforming Urban Public Space - Demetra McBride & Joanne Gabor