Monthly Continuing Education Program, Tuesday, February 19, 2002

"It Doesn't Have To Be Ugly" For our February monthly program, AIABaltimore is partnering with the Mass Transit Authority of the Maryland Department of Transportation, the Baltimore Architecture Foundation, and the Neighborhood Design Center. Imagine the Possibilities -- A Transit Symposium Series for Baltimore's Next Rail Corridor continues its monthly symposia with a topic close to our hearts. "It Doesn't Have to be Ugly: Community Sensitive Design at Transit Stations" will be presented on Tuesday, February 19, 5:30 reception, and 6 program, Thumel Business Center, University of Baltimore, southwest corner of Charles Street and Mt. Royal Avenue. FREE. Please RSVP to RailPlan@MDOT.state.md.us.

Traditionally, a team of artists is commissioned to create public art works to decorate a transit or highway system once construction is completed. More recently, rail project managers have invited a team of artists to be involved with the design team from the outset of the project. This has enabled the artists to contribute more than public art alone, and transformed the transit system into an interesting landmark, rich in visual identity and character. The unusual nature of the collaboration has meant that beauty is found in forms not usually recognized for their inherent visual qualities – from power substations to bridge piers. This session will illustrate in the everyday benefits of good design: the power of design to bring people and communities together, to save time and money, to improve performance, and to enhance America's competitiveness. In a time when everyone is looking for good value there is no better investment than a commitment to design excellence.

Peter Denitz, AICP, senior project manager for Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade & Douglas, Inc. in Philadelphia will speak. He has significant experience in environmental and urban planning related to rail and highway infrastructure, land use, brownfields redevelopment, urban design and park planning. He was planning manager for the Hudson-Bergen LRT project in New Jersey and was project manager for development of its urban design guidelines handbook. Previously, he worked in the planning departments of Philadelphia and New York City.

Denitz’ presentation will be followed by a panel discussion including AIABaltimore Urban Design Committee co-chair Klaus Philipsen AIA; Francoise Woholem, Public Art Consultant; and Thomas Grooms, former director, Transportation Design Awards, National Endowment for the Arts. For additional information, contact http://www.baltimorerailplan.com or Jamie Kendrick, 410.767.8762.

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