For three days last week, the University played host to a symposium hoping to reshape the future of city construction.
The conference, entitled "Re-Imagining Cities: Urban Design After the Age of Oil," was organized in the same vein as the historic "Conference on Urban Design Criticism" that took place 50 years ago. That event is largely credited for shaping the thinking behind 20th century urban design and planning.
This year's organizers believe that "Re-Imagining Cities" can do the same for the 21st century.
The convention was held in Houston Hall, where participants from around the globe met in order to craft a manifesto that will lead the way in educating future urban planners for the challenges that lie ahead.
Experts in fields ranging from urban design to environmental studies first listened to a panel that attempted to brainstorm ways of reducing carbon emissions and energy prices. Several breakout sessions followed that specifically focused on how cities are adapting to environmental concerns.
The symposium attracted a notable amount of press, with bloggers from Next American City and Wired covering the event. Reporters from The New York Times and The Philadelphia Inquirer were also in attendance and part of a panel that discussed how the media can change public perception of urban development.
As the conference continued from over the weekend, the focus turned toward shaping a new agenda for urban design education.
Some called for a greater engagement with students at the undergraduate level studying engineering and even history. The hope is that this may help promote a public shift in thinking - which the participants believe is essential for success.
Wharton freshman Russell Trimmer was among a handful of Penn students in attendance.
"For tackling the problem of global warming, each profession thinks they have the answer," he said. "In fact, it is urban design that relates people to their environment. It is this relationship that can help solve our problems."
As each group presented its findings at the end of the conference, most agreed that discussion was important but ultimately actions will make the difference.
Victor Galli, a Vagelos freshman articulated that very point.
"This conference is only going to be as good as its manifestations. I was worried that it was going to be a bunch of academics sitting around. In this final day, the passion came out. The passion that is associated with knowledge is what gets things done."
