OUR NEW SOCIAL REALITY, THE FUTURE OF THE PUBLIC REALM

As part of Detroit Month of Design, Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects is organizing a two-part conversation on the future of design and community engagement in the public realm. Bringing together a group of architects and community advocates, the conversation will highlight Detroit’s unique perspective, and ask what can be learned from the city’s history of resilience and community organizing as we attempt to grasp our new social reality.

The first panel takes place on Sept 15 at 4pm EST, and focuses on community engagement, considering how the changes brought about by COVID-19 impact the lives of all citizens and in turn, shape our cities. How can the pandemic be reframed as an opportunity for us to reconsider how we navigate our cities and how they can be adapted to better fit the needs of all? Panelists include; Lauren Hood (Deep Dive Detroit), John George (Motor City Blight Busters), Linda Samuels (Professor of Urban Design, WashU), and Abir Ali (Special Projects Consultant).

The second panel takes place on Sept 16 at 4pm EST, and will explore the effect of social distancing on the future of design in the public realm. How can outdoor public spaces be reconsidered to accommodate our new spatial and health concerns? What has the pandemic taught us about how we can pragmatically evolve architecture and city planning in a way that embraces our new way of life? Panelists include; Lorcan O’Herlihy, FAIA (Founder, Design Principal, LOHA), Melissa Dittmer, AIA (Chief Design Officer, Bedrock Detroit), and Steven Lewis, FAIA (Principal, ZGF).

We are pleased to announce that our media partners, Azure, will be rebroadcasting the events. Both panels will be moderated by Sinead-Finnerty Pyne [LOHA].

Please click the link above to register.