Dialogue 1/4: Social Polarization Can the Spatial Disciplines Bring Us Closer Together?

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3835 Campus Drive
Architecture Building (145 ARC)
College Park, MD 20742
United States

Dean's Conference Room
Illustration of two separate groups of people arguing with one another
This event is open to the public

JEDI Collective Interdisciplinary Dialogue Series Violence, Conflict, and Space: Peacebuilding Contributions from the Spatial Disciplines 

Dialogue 1/4: Social Polarization Can the Spatial Disciplines Bring Us Closer Together?

This Dialogue Series focuses on conversations among scholars, community members, and students reflecting on the relationship between violence and built environment disciplines and practices (architecture, urban design, planning, historic preservation, real estate, and related fields) and opportunities for peacebuilding. 

The Series is hosted by the School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (MAPP) in the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters. This is a MAPP offering in the context of our JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) initiatives. 

Panelists

Fernando Lara
University of Pennsylvania
Architecture

Mary Sies
University of Maryland, College Park
Historic Preservation

Patricia Wilson
University of Texas, Austin
Urban Planning

Raquel Vazquez
Empowered Block
Real Estate Development

Hannah Moore Cameron
PhD Candidate, Urban & Regional Planning & Design Program
University of Maryland, School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation
 

 

Moderator: 

Clara Irazábal
Area Chair / Director, Urban Studies & Planning Program
Professor
University of Maryland, School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation

 

 

Interdisciplinary Dialogue Series Youtube Recording:

 

 

**Dialogue 1/4: Social Polarization: Can the Spatial Disciplines Bring Us Closer Together?** The social contract that once held societies together, based on trust, solidarity, and shared destiny, is weakening. Divisions along lines of class, race, gender, politics, and religion are deepening, and we face an "epidemic of loneliness" and a mental health crisis, despite having more tools than ever to stay connected. 

How can fields like architecture, urban planning, and real estate development help address this paradox? More importantly, how can they help rebuild trust, solidarity, and a sense of community? What are examples where design or planning interventions have mended fractured communities? How can professionals in these fields develop the skills to contribute to rebuilding communities and restoring hope?

 

Dialogue Series Schedule:

Program / Center Affiliation
School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation