Infill development and the reuse of landmark buildings are vital -- not only for revitalizing urban places but also to create more sustainable transit-oriented regions. To move from idea to reality, however, infill and reuse must overcome enormous physical design and political challenges.
Oakland’s Uptown district offers an extraordinary example of how infill and reuse can be brought about through urban design, new architecture, historic restoration, and community decision making.
On April 24, a special program of presentations and panel discussion will consider factors critical to Uptown’s success. Please join the East Bay Chapter of the American Institute of Architects in hearing from four design and planning professionals who played pivotal roles:
Peter Calthorpe (Calthorpe Associates) developed the Uptown district masterplan. Calthorpe will describe the challenges of high-density transit-oriented development, and how infill and reuse are essential for environmental sustainability.
Ernie Vasquez, AIA (MVEI Architecture) was the lead architect for Uptown's new residential fabric. Vasquez will explain design strategies that allowed Uptown to deliver enhanced livability, context-sensitive aesthetics, and high urban densities.
Kurt Schindler, FAIA (ELS Architecture) was the lead architect for the historic restoration of the Fox Theater. Schindler will describe how restoration and reuse were promoted to revitalize the Uptown district and the special design challenges presented by such projects.
Matt Taecker, Assoc. AIA (Taecker Planning and Design), an urban designer and planner with thirty years of urban revitalization and infill experience, will serve as moderator.