RDA Announces Planning: Post Hurricane Ike
Free Civic Forum Series to Address Hurricane Policy, Response, and Protection for the Houston-Galveston Region

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With the arrival of a new hurricane season, the Rice Design Alliance announced a series of civic forums focused on examining the risks facing the Houston-Galveston region and the possible solutions to public policy and design challenges.

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In Europe and many other places, the idea of “EcoCities” now dominates discussion of planning for a “green” future. This forum built on a previous gathering, which focused on sustainability as a balance of economy, community, and environment. In this session, the panelists explored how the government’s mandate to protect its citizens might play out in an EcoCity agenda.

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Houstonians are at war over the development of the infrastructure upgrades of their public transport system; a fight that pits the community’s wishes against private interests.

If Houston had a comprehensive plan in place, would we still have this transit conundrum?

The RDA Civic Forum “Rail On” addressed these and other issues surrounding the development of rail in Houston on Wednesday, February 28, 2007. The panel was moderated by Ray Schaeffer and included Christof Spieler and Ted Richardson. The event was held at the Brown Auditorium of The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

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A Series of Civic Forums Presented by the Rice Design Alliance

The public realm is a constantly shifting concept that once included fields and rivers, wildlife and plants. Today we think of it mostly in terms of the built places and networks in which we conduct our daily lives, hopefully in safety, with convenience, and with some comfort. Its influence on our quality of life is enormous, and because it is public, it is the place where individuals and communities can have the greatest affect on the quality of life.

So where is the public realm? What are its boundaries and how are those decided? Who is responsible for its integrity and maintenance? These civic forums will explore change in our complex human habitat, and the places and people that are involved.

Part 3: Public Spaces, Urban Streets
Wednesday, September 6, 7 p.m.

Panelists:
Bob Eury, President, Central Houston, Inc.
Guy Hagstette, Park Director, Houston Downtown Park Conservancy

Moderator:
David Crossley, President, Gulf Coast Institute

All Civic Forums begin at 7 p.m.
Admission is free and open to the public.

Brown Auditorium, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
1001 Bissonnet (Enter via the Main Street Door)

Parking at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is available for $3 in the museum garage located at the corner of Binz and Fannin.

The Rice Design Alliance is an AIA/CES Registered Provider of quality educational programs. For this civic forum, attendees will earn one Learning Unit/Health, Safety, Welfare, which will be reported to CES Records on the member’s behalf. Registration at the lecture is required. Non-AIA members may request a Certificate of Completion to fulfill state MCE requirements.

This program is supported in part by BNIM Architects; Baker Concrete Construction, Inc.; Boyken International, Inc.; Builders West, Inc.; KUHF 88.7 FM; The Marek Companies; The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; Transwestern Commercial Service; Webb Architects; the Corporate Members of the Rice Design Alliance; the City of Houston through the Cultural Arts Council of Houston/Harris County, and the Texas Commission on the Arts.

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People, Planet, Prosperity
Prospects for Sustainability in Houston

A Series of Civic Forums Sponsored by the Rice Design Alliance

Part I, People, explored the health, safety, welfare, and happiness of human beings as we try to live our lives in a busy urban environment. Part II, Planet, discussed our earth as the source and sustainer of our lives. Part III, Prosperity, will discuss our economy and its effects on our people and our planet. How do we define prosperity? What does it mean to be successful in the 21st century? Can we be prosperous and maintain sustainable ideals?

Part III: Prosperity
Rescheduled
Wednesday, December 7, 7 p.m. at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Panelists:

Jose de la Isla
Writer and Economic Development Consultant

Karl Rabago
Energy Group Director, Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC)

Jeremy Rutledge
Pastor, Covenant Church

Brown Auditorium, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
1001 Bissonnet (Enter via the Main Street Door)

Parking at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is available for $3 in the museum garage located at the corner of Binz and Fannin.

Admission is free and open to the public.

This program is supported in part by Berger Iron Works, Inc.; Crescent Real Estate Equities, Ltd.; KUHF 88.7 FM; Manhattan Construction Company; Metropolitan Transit Authority; The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; O’Donnel/Snider Construction Inc.; PGAL; Schenck and Company; Tellepsen Builders, L. P.; Trammell Crow Company; Webb Architects; the Corporate Members of the Rice Design Alliance; the City of Houston through the Cultural Arts Council of Houston/Harris County, and the Texas Commission on the Arts.

The Rice Design Alliance is an AIA/CES Registered Provider of quality educational programs. For this civic forum, attendees will earn one Learning Unit/Health, Safety, Welfare, which will be reported to CES Records on the member’s behalf. Registration at the lecture is required. Non-AIA members may request a Certificate of Completion to fulfill state MCE requirements.

Design by Peter Boyle Graphic Design

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