Pragmatic Visions

As designers, we are constantly ideating, uncovering new ways to make our public spaces safer for all users. After 9/1, solutions like barrier walls were implemented into the public realm, but today we are faced with a new public health crisis, COVID-19. Chase Weaver has been exploring and researching the use of self-sanitizing materials, like silver and copper, in design and the impact it could have on easing the minds of people when experiencing the public realm. Listen in as Chase shares his thoughts on how we can create safer, more welcoming spaces post-COVID.

Not unlike what we’ve observed during past public health crises, COVID is challenging planners and engineers to think differently about resilient and sustainable strategies for our communities. Having spent his career leading infrastructure planning for towns and cities across the Southeast, Dale Stewart has identified new opportunities for planners to embrace decentralization as a way to better prepare our communities for global crises. Listen is as Dale shares his ideas on decentralization and reflections from quarantine.

For Gabriela Canamar Clark, she sees design as an ever-evolving platform to channel humanity’s diversity and create places that promote social equity. Whether we are uncovering short-term solutions or planning for the long-term, Gabriela believes that approaching design with an open mind and being cognizant of our differences will result in places that can be used and enjoyed by all. Listen in as Gabriela shares her vision for a more socially equitable future and the role of designers in making that vision a reality.

While it’s still anyone’s guess what the long-lasting lifestyle impacts of the pandemic might be, Richard Petersheim has aspirations that perhaps our “new normal” might not feel so different than before. Will social distancing and masks impact the way we interact with others forever? Listen in as Richard shares his pragmatic reactions to COVID-19 and the importance of experience in coming out of the pandemic.

Since the start of COVID-19, a renewed importance of public open space has come to light. People have flocked to open spaces of varying kinds, spaces that Beth Poovey describes as places you can experience togetherness, alone. As people continue to find a safe haven in public parks, playgrounds, trails, and greenways, how will communities plan for open space post-pandemic? Listen in as Beth shares her vision for an accessible and attainable post-COVID public realm.