Sustainable communities - Blackson

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Howard Blackson - Placemakers, LLCIn the 20th century, we have spent a lot of money and resources to build cultural wastelands that adversely affects our quality-of-life. With the demise of redevelopment in California, in conjunction with the demonization of Smart Growth, the future relevancy of these places rests upon our ability repurpose these miles and miles of regrettable and devalued strip centers, office parks, and housing tracks. Unfortunately, most citizens oppose any new development due to its potential conflict with their existing community character. Applying an urban design technique that purposely codes for a specific community character, this presentation will outline 21st century urban design tools to build towards walkable, mixed-use neighborhood centers.With 20 plus years of professional urban design experience, Howard is the Director of Planning for PlaceMakers, LLC, a new economy company of seven (7) principals located across the United States and Canada. Howard has designed and managed a variety of projects both internationally and in the United States having worked in Asia, Europe and North America. He holds a Master degree in Urban Design from the University of Westminster, London, and a Bachelor degree in Geography from the University of Texas at Austin. Howard is an Accredited Member of the Congress for the New Urbanism and is a member of the U.S. General Services Administration Design Excellence Peer Review Committee. He is an adjunct lecturer at San Diego’s NewSchool of Architecture and Design and on the faculty of University of California San Diego Urban Studies Program.

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