Join AIA New Yorkfor the first program in a four-part series expanding on the theme Belonging and Beyond, established earlier this year by 2024 AIANY President Gregory Switzer, AIA, NOMA. Belonging and Beyond centers on crucial aspects of human well-being that improve physical and social-emotional health and resilience for individuals and communities. This forum will explore noteworthy solutions that grow out of a robust exchange of interdisciplinary ideas, pointing to the future of public space and public art and their role in social equity.

The series challenges us to discover better design strategies for the public realm that welcome all people. How do we re-envision our public spaces and the public art that inhabits them in ways that are more inclusive and enriching to collective and personal experience for social benefit?

The first program, "History and Memory", takes inspiration from the words of Dr. John N. Low, professor of History and American Indian Studies at Ohio State University: "History is not truth; its memory, and part of memory is considering what we forgot."

This program explores the following questions:

• What has been left out of our public spaces and public art installations that requires a fresh perspective?
• How is place-making tied to collective memory?
• How is landscape a witness to our history?

After brief presentations, there will be a moderated audience discussion.

Future Programs in Series:
September – The Future of Public Space and Art: New Public Space Perspectives
October – The Future of Public Space and Art: NYC Public Art Installations
November – The Future of Public Space and Art: New Trends, Craft, Technology

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