2008 Creative Living in the City Lecture Series
The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation and Friends of the Parks present topics for discussion on what's new in the city and how citizens and visitors alike can creatively participate in the urban experience that makes Chicago special. This series, part of the Chicago Cultural Center's Creative Living in the City programming, focuses on issues and initiatives affecting the quality of life in Chicago, such as innovative design, urban development, and environmental conservation.
The one-hour lectures, which are free and open to the public, begin 12:15 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month in the Chicago Cultural Center's Claudia Cassidy Theater, 77 E. Randolph St.
October 11th, 12:15 p.m.
"New Harbors for Chicago's Lakefront"
The Chicago Park District recently completed A Harbor Plan for Chicago. The plan analyzes current boating trends and future growth of recreational boating in the city and sets procedures for new harbor construction in the next 10 years. Learn about the Park District's plan and what it means for Chicagoans and the greater downtown area.
November 8th, 12:15 p.m.
"Climate Change Report Card"
The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation is embarking on a remarkable initiative to widen the scope of our regional dialogue on environmentalism. As gas prices climb and green energy becomes part of the fabric of our political and personal climates, local interest around mitigating global warming has become more pronounced. The current focus of environmental responsibility with respect to personal transportation is almost exclusively on converting our automobiles to alternative fuel sources. Unfortunately, this emphasis fails to confront the enormous energy expenditures from automobile production, manufacturing, and distribution. We will not be able to significantly reduce our “rolling carbon” (transportation-based C02 emissions) by converting drivers to hybrid cars alone.
Big cities in the United State collaborated to create the Climate Change Report Card to provide decision-makers with detailed information on Chicago’s progress as it relates to other cities' in converting trips from driving to bicycling, walking and transit. Come see how Chicago fares as a green city.
December 13 th, 12:15 p.m.
“Street Design for the Urban Realm”
Urban streets serve a much greater function than simply moving cars. Come learn how advances in street design and sustainability are recognizing streets as places that must accommodate diverse needs, from biking to window-shopping to public meeting place. Speakers Janet Attarian, Project Director for the Streetscape and Sustainable Design Program and Sustainability Coordinator for the Chicago Department of Transportation, and Jacky Grimshaw, VP for Transportation Policy at the Center for Neighborhood Technology, will explore national and local engineering trends that affect our daily lives.
January 10 th, 12:15 p.m.
“The History of the North Lakefront: Parks, Beaches and the Gaps in Between”
Chicago’s north lakefront is totally engineered and constructed with landfill to Ardmore/Hollywood. Further north, additional small parks and beaches were created but have remain unconnected. The historic forces that shaped the lakefront between Hollywood and the City’s northern boundary at Howard are the focus of this lecture.
Februrary 14 th, 12:15 p.m.
“The Design and Development of the Nature Center in the Calumet Region”
Great egrets wading in the marsh by the Acme Steel plant exemplify the contrasts found around the Calumet region - abundant wildlife living in remnants of a once-vast wetland system, scattered among industrial properties. The Calumet area's fascinating blend of ecology, industry and community make it the perfect setting for the future Ford Calumet Environmental Center, an environmental education facility slated to open in late 2009 at Hegewisch Marsh. For over a decade, a partnership including federal, state and local government agencies, residents, cultural and educational institutions, industrial and commercial interests, and more has worked to revitalize the region by restoring nature and attracting new, cleaner industries. Over 3,000 acres of industrial land have been slated for redevelopment, and 3,900 acres of wetland and prairie have been officially protected as the Calumet Open Space Reserve. This presentation will cover some of the interesting challenges; complexities and opportunities encountered in attempting to create a post-industrial open space system, and will provide details about the innovative Ford Calumet Environmental Center.
March 13 th, 12:15 p.m.
“Inspired By Nature the Garfield Park Conservancy and Chicago’s West Side”
One of the Nation’s most stunning and intriguing botanical havens, the Garfield Park Conservatory will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2008. Often referred to as “Landscape art under glass,” Jens Jensen’s revolutionary design is a poetic interpretation of his beloved Midwestern landscape as it was in prehistoric times. Julia S. Bacbrach author of “Inspired by Nature the Garfield Park Conservancy and Chicago’s West Side” and a historian for the Chicago Park District will speak about the history of the Garfield Park.
April 10th, 12:15 p.m.
“The Care and Feeding of Chicago’s Wilderness: Best Land Management Practices for Natural Areas”
Panelists will discuss land management practices used by Forest Preserve Districts in the region as well as the Chicago Park District to maintain the health of natural areas in parks and forests, savannahs, woodlands and prairies.
May 8th, 12:15 p.m.
“The History of the L”
Join the author of The Chicago “L,” Greg Borzo, as he discusses his popular new book. Mass transit never looked so good! Travel with him through time as he presents slides portraying the growth and development of one of America’s greatest, most enduring icon. The “L” has been running 24/7 for 115 years. Come learn how it came to be and why it needs to be preserved.
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