RUDC Symposium 2023 Program
CITIES IN TRANSITION:
DESIGNING FOR A WORLD IN FLUX
Join us for a two-day symposium in Washington, DC, where we'll navigate emerging trends and technologies reshaping urban design. Day one features rapid-fire presentations and panels. Day two offers immersive on-site tours and workshops across the DC region.
11.25 LU|7 HSW (AIA), 11.25 CM (AICP), 11.25 LA CES pending (ASLA)
DAY 1 PROGRAM - LECTURES + PANELS | OCTOBER 19, 2023
9:00 AM
9:15 AM
10:45 AM
11:00 AM
12:30 PM
12:45 PM
1:30 PM
3:00 PM
3:15 PM
4:45 PM
5:00 PM
5:30 PM
6:30 PM
OPENING
CLIMATE RESPONSE:
How Can Cities Increase Their Resilience to Climate Change?
The impacts of climate change and the growing aspiration for healthy urban living are significantly impacting the design of our cities. This includes creating cities that can better respond to climate shocks and developing new environmentally responsive projects. This session seeks to transform the way we design and build cities, prioritizing the well-being of both people and the environment.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
Jonathan Barnett, FAIA, FAICP, Professor of Practice Emeritus, University of Pennsylvania
PANELISTS:
Maria Antony Katticaran, Architect and Urban Designer, HDR
Manuel Sanchez-Ruiz, AIA, Principal, AECOM
Devanshi Purohit, AICP, Principal, CBT Architects
MODERATOR:
Scott Archer, AIA, AICP, RUDC Leadership Committee, Associate
DAVID RUBIN Land Collective
BREAK
ADAPTING FOR TOMORROW:
How Can Public Spaces Prepare for Future Challenges?
In this session, we delve into the evolving urban landscapes, driven by the need for more pedestrian areas, expanded bicycle networks, and sustainable, inclusive spaces. Through lectures and panel discussion, this session explores topics such as equitable public transportation, resilient infrastructure, reimagined street designs, and the role of urban landscape in fostering identity and public engagement. The discussions highlight the importance of inclusivity, community recovery post-Covid, and collaborative efforts to create vibrant public spaces that prioritize people's needs, diverse land use, and economic stability.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
Gia Biagi, Principal of Urbanism, Studio Gang
PANELISTS:
David A. Rubin, PLA, FASLA, FAAR, Founding Principal of DAVID RUBIN and Land Collective
Severn Clay-Youman, AIA, Principal, Civic Architecture Workshop
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MODERATOR:
Peter Darby, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, RUDC Leadership Committee, Founder, Darby Architecture
LUNCH
LUNCH PANEL - SPOTLIGHT ON DC
PUBLIC SPACE BOOSTERS:
Unmasking Lessons Learned Since 2020
Urban planners from four DC jurisdictions will examine how revamped public spaces can spur community recovery and investments post-Covid. Discussing various projects and places, they'll highlight how inclusivity, dynamism, physical changes, marketing, and teamwork can create vibrant public areas.
PANELISTS:
Adam Dodgshon, Planning Supervisor, Prince George’s County Planning Department
MODERATOR & PANELIST:
Jeff Jamawat, Urban Planner, National Capital Planning Commission, Physical Planning Division
TECH IMPACT:
How are Emerging Technologies Transforming Our Cities and Work?
New technologies such as smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and drone delivery will shape the future form and function of our cities. They will also impact how we plan and design our cities using tools like parametric design, AI, and machine learning. This session will explore how emerging technologies are impacting cities and the way we design them.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
Nico Larco, AIA, Professor of Architecture and Urban Design at the University of Oregon
PANELISTS:
Agustin Chambard, Architect and Urban Designer, KGP Design Studio
Marleen Kay Davis, FAIA, Professor, University of Tennessee
James Blackwood, CRO, Giraffe Technology Pty. Ltd.
Anand Rajagopal, Senior Manager, Machine Learning at Autodesk
MODERATOR:
Nathan Ogle, AIA, LEED AP, RUDC 2023 Chair, Founder, TRACTORgreen
BREAK
THE URBAN SHIFT:
How are Downtowns, Neighborhoods and Suburbs Changing?
Changing work patterns, online shopping and the resulting post-pandemic economic shifts and social justice issues are driving significant transformations in our cities, prompting a reevaluation of the roles of downtowns, neighborhoods, and suburbs. This session will explore how cities can respond and adapt to these challenges.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
Andre Brumfield, Assoc. AIA., Cities & Urban Design Leader, Principal, Gensler
PANELISTS:
David Dixon, FAIA, Vice president, Stantec
Laura Johnson, RA, LEED AP ND, Associate, Gehl
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MODERATOR:
Steven Wilson, AIA, AICP, RUDC Leadership Committee, Senior Associate, Gensler
BREAK
SPOTLIGHT ON DC
Fostering Inclusive Growth in a Rapidly Changing Environment
This discussion is about the DC Downtown Public Realm Plan, a people-first initiative utilizing app data and public input to boost safety, diverse land use, and economic stability in DC's vibrant culture. Uncover how this innovative plan, enriched with cross-sector insights, is shaping the future of urban living.
PANELISTS:
Bobby Boone, Founder and Chief Strategist, &Access
Jon Stover, Founder and Managing Partner, Jon Stover and Associates
Timothy Maher, Program Officer, DC Office of Planning
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MODERATOR:
CLOSING
DAY 2 - TOURS | OCTOBER 20, 2023
9:00 - 10:15 AM
1A - From Parking Lots to Places: The New Suburbanism at Pike and Rose, Montgomery County, MD
Discover Montgomery County's commitment to design, sustainability, and growth through the Pike and Rose development tour in North Bethesda. Learn about public art, energy efficiency, and urban planning that spurred over a billion dollars in adjacent developments.​
9:00 - 10:15 AM
1B - Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) New HQ Tour & TOD
Explore Metro's new headquarters and see how mixed-use developments and public art are energizing Downtown DC. Engage in a TOD Workshop to discuss sustainability, resilience, and the potential impact of changing commuter patterns on ridership.
10:15 - 11:15 AM
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
TRAVEL TIME
Discover the Union Market District in Washington and its evolution into a vibrant social hub with unique attractions like La Cosecha and an open-air rooftop. Learn about the district's rich history and transformation into a modern urban destination.
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Delve into the revitalized District Wharf in Washington, DC, focusing on the unique Water Plan that converges boats, public spaces, dining, and culture. Learn how this innovative approach has created an engaging, sustainable destination filled with public art, open views, and community.
12:15 - 1:45 PM
1:45 - 2:45 PM
1:45 - 2:45 PM
LUNCH (at Union Market or the Wharf) + TRAVEL TIME
3A - Pennsylvania Avenue with the National Capital Planning Commission
Explore the 2022 transformation of Pennsylvania Avenue, NW between the U.S. Capitol, and the White House, into a stage for national events. Learn about the design concepts elevating the avenue into an equitable, vital civic destination in the nation's Capital City.
3B - Anacostia + 11th Street Bridge Park
Tour Anacostia's 11th Street Bridge Park, gaining insight into the development of a vibrant public space designed to bridge social and economic divides. Learn about the project's history, community involvement, design challenges, and status, reflecting a commitment to equitable development and community connectivity.
2:45 - 3:30 PM
3:30 - 4:30 PM
TRAVEL TIME
4A - National Landing at Crystal City
Explore National Landing at Crystal City, focusing on the transformative growth including Amazon's HQ2 and $12 billion in investments. Learn about the region's fastest-growing downtown, significant projects like Long Bridge and Route 1, and the vision to become a premier innovation district.
3:30 - 4:30 PM
4B - National Landing at Potomac Yard + Virginia Tech Innovation Campus
See how the National Landing at Potomac Yard transformed into a hub of 21st-century urban design, focusing on sustainability, resilience, and innovation. Learn about the green spaces and technologies led by JBG Smith and Virginia Tech, shaping the future of urban living.
5:00 PM - UNTIL
NETWORKING Happy Hour at National Landing, details TBD
RUDC Symposium REGISTRATION
DAY 1 PROGRAM - LECTURES & PANELS | OCTOBER 19, 2023
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Explore the future of city design through a full day of lectures and panel discussions.
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Earn 7 LU|HSW (AIA), 7 CM (AICP), 7 LA CES pending (ASLA).
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Price includes lunch and reception.
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$185 Early Bird (ends Sept 5)
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$225 Regular (Sept 6 - Oct 19)
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$125 Student (ends Oct 19)
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​DAY 2 TOURS | OCTOBER 20, 2023
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Discover Washington DC as your interactive learning lab.
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Customize your visit, and select up to four individual tours.
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Earn up to 4.25 LU (AIA), 4.25 CM (AICP), 4.25 LA CES pending (ASLA).
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$25 Individual tours (not including lunch and happy hour)