A good city doesn't happen by chance. Rich architecture, unique neighborhoods, lush landscapes, usable riverfronts--those are the result of deliberate planning and quality design; the result of intention. With the theme of just that--"The Intentional City"--this year's Design Excellence Lecture Series welcomes its second speaker, Alan Greenberger, who has been instrumental in Philadelphia's reemergence as a good city.
Greenberger has been with the City of Philadelphia since 2008. In addition to his role as head of the planning commission, he is also the Acting Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, and Director of Commerce. Prior to joining the city administration, he was in private practice for 34 years as an architect and planner. Among his notable projects are the Salvation Army Kroc Corps Community Center in Philadelphia, the West Chester University School of Music and Performing Arts Center, the renovation of Lehigh University's historic Linderman Library, new campus plan and pavilions at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts, the America on Wheels Museum in Allentown, new campus plan and buildings for the National Foreign Affairs Training Center, and the mater plan for the Centennial District in Philadelphia's Fairmount Park.
"It always helps to see your own city through an outsider's perspective, and that will come out of the conversation with Alan Greenberger," says Anne-Marie Lubenau, AIA, president and CEO of event organizer the
Community Design Center of Pittsburgh.
Lubenau says the Design Excellence Lecture Series, now in its second year, is so important because it helps connect residents with Pittsburgh's own current comprehensive planning process, which was launched several months ago. It is the first comprehensive plan the city is undertaking, and is examining elements including transportation, cultural resources and parks and green spaces.
The lecture series is sponsored by the Fine Foundation, the Laurel Foundation, The Pittsburgh Foundation, PPND, Point Park University and WDUQ 90.5. The event, which costs $20 to attend (buy tickets), will be held 6 to 8 p.m. at George Rowland White Theatre, University Center at Point Park University, 414 Wood St., Downtown.
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Writer: Caralyn Green
Source: Anne-Marie Lubenau, Community Design Center of Pittsburgh
Photograph courtesy of Community Design Center of Pittsburgh