Keynote Sessions

The keynote sessions at Forward Spaces recognized the shortfalls of past infrastructural change and the opportunity to correct and improve design decisions today. The symposium also explored how new technologies could improve our public spaces and the responsibility we hold as land stewards to mitigate the potential negative impacts of those technologies.

The Underline, Technology, & A New Approach to Public Spaces

The Underline is transforming underutilized land below Miami’s Metrorail into a 10-mile linear park, with technology serving as the connective tissue linking its visitors, places and activities. Founder Meg Daly explored how the Underline has centered technology in its development, followed by a conversation on how public spaces can best leverage tech to meet community needs.

Celebrating History of Place

Our cities are facing a reckoning—we’re challenging how our public spaces reflect our past. Who gets celebrated, and whose stories are told? This session’s keynote panelists explored a lively debate on how history should be honored through arts and culture, both the good and the bad.

Future-Proofing Privacy & Data in the Public Realm

Operators and curators of public spaces are constantly in need of good data—to support fundraising, build better programming, and support ongoing operations, among other things. But as we implement new technologies and explore new ways of collecting data, how many of us are really thinking about the privacy implications for our visitors? Watch this session to understand the ethical implications of data collection in the public realm.

Where Can Tech Take Us in Urbanism?

This final session reflects on the symposium conversations held over the past two days, and examines how our cities should move forward in implementing technological solutions. Panelists explored how and why cities can and should become “smart”, and where it might be best to center human engagement.

Resource Library

Was there a book mentioned that you forgot to jot down? Or even a publication you’d like to share with attendees? Browse or download this library of links to and descriptions of resources for and by Forward Spaces Attendees.

Digital & Print Publications & Guides

Community First Toolkit
A set of digital tools and processes to help park practitioners embed equity into public spaces.
Courtesy of the High Line Network

A Blueprint for Naturalizing Infrastructure Corridors
Digital publication sharing meadow habitat lessons learned in The Meadoway. 
Courtesy of The Meadoway

A City Is Not a Computer
A book about urban data and forms of urban knowledge that resist datafictation. 
Courtesy of Shannon Mattern

Collaborative Cities
A collaborative cities guide for designing, implementing, and sustaining strategic partnerships
Courtesy of Bloomberg Associates

Inclusive Healthy Places Framework: website & full document
IHP Framework website and document, with case studies, lessons learned, and tips for action
Courtesy of Gehl

Online Database & Resource Hubs

Federal Assistance e311 Knowledge Base
Guide to Federal Assistance e311 program. 
Courtesy of Bloomberg Cities Network

Local Infrastructure Hub
Local Infrastructure Hub, which includes a searchable database of federal funding opportunities.
Courtesy of Bloomberg Philanthropies & Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation

Equitable Park Funding Hub
Summary of federal funding opportunities currently available
Courtesy of City Parks Alliance

Articles, Essays, Newsletters

New Market Tax Credits Explained
An overview of the financing tool and Destination Crenshaw's recent investment 
Courtesy of Destination Crenshaw

Artists, Aesthetics, and Migrations: Contemporary Visual Arts and Caribbean Diaspora in Miami, Florida
Dissertation work: ethnographic study about Miami and Miami based visual artists
Courtesy of Lara C. Stein Pardo

score for x
A ‘score,’ for how we should think about accessibility.
Courtesy of Kevin Gotkin

Crip News
A weekly newsletter about disability arts and politics.
Courtesy of Kevin Gotkin

Presentations & Workshops

Forward Spaces: A High Line Network Symposium Agenda
The official agenda for Forward Spaces
Courtesy of the High Line Network

Forward Spaces: Board Session: Centering Community in Fundraising
Slides & Resource Sheet
Slide presentation and resources shared during board sessions at Forward Spaces 
Courtesy of Erika Lian Chen 

Facilitation Guide for Dream-Play-Build Workshop
A facilitation guide to replicate the Dream-Play-Build Workshop on your own
Courtesy of James Rojas