Summer Sessions: Built Environment

Jun 25, 2019 – Jun 30, 2019

Cities and institutions build infrastructure that reflects our social and political organization. These changes to the built environment can erase histories, divide communities, and perpetuate inequality, but also can improve the life of the citizenry. This week addresses the physical public sphere—spaces such as parks, cultural institutions, city streets, public transportation, and other aspects of the urban fabric.

How does urban infrastructure connect or divide us? How can we imagine new ways of activating “vacant” urban lands for common benefit? What could we learn by thinking about the built environment in relation to common wealth and common debts? How are these issues being explored by artists, designers, activists, and local organizations?

Facilitator: Duron Chavis (Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond)

Session leaders include Marshall Brown (Princeton University), Jonathan Knopf (Maggie Walker Community Land Trust), and Ryan Rinn (Storefront for Community Design, Richmond).

Wednesday, June 26 // Social Session, 6–8 pm

Open to the Public
Each Social Session is both a gathering and introduction to the week’s themes, bringing together Session partners, community members, and the public around music, wine, and common interests. Make connections and enjoy the Summer Sessions space. Live DJ, hands-on activities, and cash bar. Brief remarks at 6:30 pm.

Music by DJ Nobe

Delicious food by Mama J’s Kitchen

Saturday, June 29 // Program Session

Open to the Public
Program Sessions invite us to go deeper into each week’s topic through a mix of discussion and experience, and to reflect together about what to carry forward.

1 pm | Welcome
Duron Chavis and Stephanie Smith

1:15 pm | Talk
Marshall Brown, associate professor of architecture at Princeton University and Director of the School of Architecture’s Center for Architecture, Urbanism, and Infrastructure (CAUI), proposes that we consider vacant urban space and structures as collective resources rather than blight.

2:30–3:30 pm | Workshop
In small groups, we will consider sites in Richmond and imagine creative ways to activate them as commons for the future city. Group leaders include Marshall Brown, Duron Chavis, Ryan Rinn (Storefront for Community Design), and Jonathan Knopf of the Maggie Walker Community Land Trust.

3:45–4:15 pm | Reflection
What should we carry forward from this Session? We will reflect, discuss, and take notes on the gallery walls.

4:30–5:30 pm | WRIR “Local Voices Live”
Reflecting on “built environment” with leaders of this week’s Session. Moderated by WRIR host Melissa Vaughn.

Summer Sessions: Commonwealth

Jun 15, 2019 – Aug 18, 2019

exhibition

Summer Sessions: Introduction

Saturday, Jun 15

1:00 PM–5:00 PM

event

Summer Sessions: Natural Resources

Jun 18, 2019 – Jun 23, 2019

event