NCC launches Capital Urbanism Lab program for 2015–2016

The National Capital Commission (NCC) presented its Capital Urbanism Lab lecture series for the coming year at its public board of directors meeting today.

The Capital Urbanism Lab was launched in 2014 as a pop-up space to foster dialogue among members of the public, community leaders, experts and students on topics related to the planning and stewardship of the Capital.

The NCC’s 2015 Capital Urbanism Lab lecture series will kick off on October 1 with a discussion and book launch on eco-design for cities and suburbs, with renowned urban planners Larry Beasley and Jonathan Barnett .

“By providing a forum for the exchange of ideas and thought-provoking debate on the future of our capital, we hope to encourage greater civic participation and innovation in the design, planning and sustainable development of our region,” said Dr. Mark Kristmanson, Chief Executive Officer of the NCC.

In its first year, more than 35 events were held in the Lab, including the lecture series, public consultations and stakeholder meetings. More than 2,000 people attended events in the Lab.

The 2015–2016 lecture series themes are as follows:

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 October 1
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: Eco-design for Cities and Suburbs—with Larry Beasley and Jonathan Barnett

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 October 29
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: Tactical Urbanism—with Mike Lydon, author of
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 Tactical Urbanism: Short-Term Action for Long-Term Change
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 November 18
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: A Retrospect on Capital Planning—with Professor David Gordon (Queen’s University) and author Alain Miguelez

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 December 3
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: Archaeology in the Capital Region: Discovering Our Past

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 January 14
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: Urbanism Online: #capital

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 February 18
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: Creating a River Culture in the Capital

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 March 16
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: The “ART” of City Building

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 April 7
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: Park Stewardship: Best Practices

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 May 4
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: Urban Forests

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 June 21
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: Aboriginal Architecture and Design

In addition to the lecture series, the Capital Urbanism Lab will also host public consultations, meetings with stakeholders and community events throughout the year.

To take part in the debate online, follow the Capital Urbanism Lab on Twitter @NCC_UrbanLab and Facebook .