Can Americans translate their growing resentment of sprawl into a renewed willingness to embrace density? Building a new dream will require just that. At the September 11–14 “Density: Myth & Reality” conference in Boston, leading designers, planners, elected officials, developers, and journalists will explore the realities of density as a first step toward dispelling the myths and fears that thwart progress toward a new American dream.

“Density: Myth & Reality” delves into the sprawl conundrums of Boston as a case study. There, the same people who criticize the congestion that sprawl has produced—total miles driven have increased 15 times faster than population growth over the past 30 years—oppose the alternative of denser development. The same people who bemoan the loss of community associated with the decline of urban Main Streets resist new urban housing that is essential to restoring vitality—and a sense of community—to these Main Streets.

Participants will address the role of density in:

• Revitalizing distressed neighborhoods
• Restoring pedestrian-friendly Main Streets
• Overcoming racial polarization and social fragmentation
• Expanding transportation options
• Supporting regional economic competitiveness
• Fostering diverse and mixed-income communities
• Promoting environmental and social sustainability.

The hard work of volunteers, and collaboration among the local Boston community, the Boston Society of Architects, the AIA national committees on Housing and Regional and Urban Design, and the AIA's Center for Livable Communities are making the conference a reality. “Through sharing resources and engaging the widest possible participation, we are building a knowledge community of designers and planners” says BSA President David Dixon, FAIA. “With our combined expertise and understanding, we can find alternatives to sprawl and educate everyone on the benefits of density.”

Copyright 2003 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved. Home Page