Join the AIA Regional & Urban Design Committee at the two-day RUDC Symposium in Indianapolis on November 14-15, 2024, for discussions about polycentric cities, regional connectivity through relationships, and adaptation. The first day will include a series of keynote presentations and panels, while the second day will feature site tours of downtown Indianapolis and surrounding urban districts.
Polycentric cities are either expanding or contracting, both figuratively and physically. Cities must confidently envision the best outcomes with contemporary design and assertive thought leadership. Our way of living, working, playing, and learning is evolving rapidly due to increased connection and separation of cities in their relationship to the regions. Our panels and presenters will discuss the questions and opportunities for our resilient cities and confidently unpack future urban design challenges and solutions.
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Day 1 -- Earn 6 LU|HSW (AIA), 6 CM (AICP), 6 LA CES (ASLA)
Day 2 -- Earn an additional 6 LU (AIA), 6 CM (AICP), 6 LA CES (ASLA)
Registration for each Day 2 tour is a la carte. More information provided on the registration page.
Day 1 - November 14
7:30
Doors Open + Light Breakfast + Networking
Arrive and check-in anytime between 7:30-8:15am to prep for a full day of inspiring speakers, conversation, and networking.
8:15
Welcome + Opening Speaker
Welcome from 2024 RUDC Symposium Chair, Peter Darby, AIA and 2024 RUDC Chair and AIA Indianapolis Chapter President, Jason Larrison, AIA.
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Opening by Vop Osili, City Council President, City of Indianapolis
8:30
Session A: Planning for Culture and Equity
The Indianapolis Cultural Equity Plan uses culture as a strategy for social cohesion, equitable growth, and economic development. It aims to integrate cultural considerations into decision-making processes and bridge gaps in support to foster thriving communities. This session will outline the plans in progress at the City of Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development and how culture and equity are being integrated into the future of public policy.
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Panelists:
Lourenzo Giple, Assoc. AIA, NOMA, Deputy Director of Planning, Preservation, and Urban Design, Department of Metropolitan Development, City of Indianapolis, IN
Marlee Brabin, AIA, City Architect, Department of Metropolitan Development, Division of Urban Design, City of Indianapolis, IN
Moderator:
Jason Larrison, AIA, RUDC Leadership Committee 2024 Chair, Vice President, J.S. Held LLC, Indianapolis, IN
9:30 -- Break
9:45
Session B: Innovation Districts - Changing Communities and Regions
The Indianapolis Cultural Equity Plan uses culture as a strategy for social cohesion, equitable growth, and economic development. It aims to integrate cultural considerations into decision-making processes and bridge gaps in support to foster thriving communities. This session will outline the plans in progress at the City of Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development and how culture and equity are being integrated into the future of public policy.
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Panelists:
Brent Webb, Business Development Executive, Mortenson Minneapolis, MN
Emily C. Krueger, President & CEO, 16 Tech Community Corporation, Indianapolis, IN
Partnership with the AIA Project Delivery Knowledge Committee:
Laura Wake-Ramos, MPS-RE, AIA, NCARB, DBIA, Business Development Manager, Mortenson, McLean, VA
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Moderators:
Scott Archer, AIA, AICP, RUDC Leadership Committee 2024 Vice-Chair, Principal, DAVID RUBIN Land Collective, Washington, DC
10:45 -- Break
11:00
Session C: Higher Education as Community and Regional Anchors
Universities are anchor institutions that are deeply rooted in their local communities and significantly impact the economic, societal, and physical fabric of their host cities. From job creation, local spending, and real-estate development to workforce development, innovation, and partnerships, universities are poised to drive positive change and support long-term community development. This panel will explore how Purdue University and The Ohio State University leverage their mission, physical campus, and partnerships to serve their community, city and state. Recent planning and development at both universities address the housing crisis, strategic growth decisions, and mixed-use (live-work-play) development. These decisions and topics highlight how thoughtful design and placemaking can add value both for universities and the communities to which they belong.
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Panelists:
Jessica Leonard, AIA, LEED AP Principal, Ayers Saint Gross, Baltimore, MD
Amber Chellis-Omedo, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB, Purdue University, Senior Director & University Architect, West Lafayette, IN
Greg Deason, Senior VP Alliances & Placemaking, Purdue Research Foundation, West Lafayette, IN
Matt Hansen, Campus Partners President, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Moderators:
Jason Larrison, AIA, RUDC Leadership Committee 2024 Chair, Vice President, J.S. Held LLC, Indianapolis, IN
Manuel Sanchez-Ruiz, AIA, RUDC Leadership Committee, Principal, MAS Urban Design Consulting, LLC
12:00
Lunch + Networking
Networking and conversations over catered lunch provided with registration.
1:00
KEYNOTE: Scale Matters
David Gamble, AIA, Principal at Gamble Associates and Lecturer at MIT
1:30
Session D: Scalability and Innovation Solutions in Urban Design
With insights on innovative urban design solutions, the keynote and panelist will focus on the scalability of polycentric cities and explore the impact of partnering relationships between entities and cities at local, regional, and global levels. The discussion will also cover the strategic alliance's role in securing sustainable and equitable housing and enhancing capacity within neighborhood development. The project also aims to create a model for future interventions and applications in other similar neighborhoods.
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Panelists:
Pamela Harwood, AIA, NCARB Professor of Architecture & Architect, Ball State University, Muncie, IN
Nate Howard, Executive Director Muncie Land Bank, Muncie, IN
Jeb Reece, Associate Director of Land Banking & Strategic Planning, INTEND Indiana, Indianapolis, IN
Tom Collins, PhD, Associate Professor of Architecture, Ball State University, Muncie, IN
John West, Founding Chair of the Muncie Land Bank, Muncie, IN
Moderator:
Peter Darby, AIA, LEED AP, RUDC Leadership Committee 2024 Symposium Chair, Founder & Principal, Darby Urban Architecture, Dallas, TX
2:30 -- Break
2:45
Session E: The Future of Design Process
This session looks at the future of the design process and how emerging paradigms are transforming cities and livable communities with conversations at the intersection of livable cities connecting regions through lifestyle and social adaptation. Climate, Energy, IoT, and Bio Economies are propelling new approaches and investigations as transformational urban innovation changes are underway. Understanding the significant factors and behavioral patterns today is critical to preparing future generations for success in resilient environments. The panel will delve into these systems, economies, and methodologies and strategize for 'futuring' relationships.
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Panelists:
Jim Walker, Co-founder & Executive Director @ Big Car Collaborative, Indianapolis, IN
Robert Lisauskas AIA LEED AP, Principal, RDC , Los Angeles, CA
Dr. Ivonne Weichold, Architect & Researcher, Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research, University of Luxembourg
Steve Wilson, AIA, Senior Associate, Cities + Urban Design Practice Regional Lead, Gensler, Chicago, IL
Moderator:
Nathan Ogle, AIA, LEED AP, RUDC Leadership Committee, Founder, TRACTORgreen
3:45
KEYNOTE: What's Next – Sustainability in Urban Design
Nico Larco, Professor at the University of Oregon & Director of Urbanism Next Center, Portland, OR
4:15
Closing + Thank You
5:00
Reception with AIA Indianapolis **
Evening reception with AIA Indianapolis (included with registration).
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** Location: Indiana War Memorial Auditorium, 55 E. Michigan Street Indianapolis, IN 46204
6:00
EVENING LECTURE (Sponsored by AIA Indianapolis):
Residential Architecture in Urban Environments **
Amanda Loper, AIA, LEED AP, Principal at David Baker Architects, hosted by AIA Indianapolis
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​** Location: Indiana War Memorial Auditorium, 55 E. Michigan Street Indianapolis, IN 46204
Day 2 - November 15
8:30
Walking Tour A: Fountain Square & Fletcher Place
Start at 1043 Virginia Ave
Redeveloping Neighborhoods and Districts: Indianapolis' downtown saw a population decline due to urban flight, zoning regulations, highway construction, and the demolition of numerous properties for parking lots. Over the past twenty years, Fountain Square, Fletcher Place, East Market District, and Massachusetts Avenue District have undergone a revival thanks to new zoning codes, development incentives, and infrastructure investments such as the Cultural Trail and bus rapid transit. Experience how Indianapolis revitalized its downtown districts, from historic neighborhoods to the reimagined government district and Massachusetts Avenue, as we head towards the Bottleworks for lunch.
For the first tour, Fountain Square & Fletcher Place will be explored. These two neighborhoods along a former interurban line blend historic homes and commercial structures with modern infill projects. Placemaking initiatives include the preservation of historic Fountain Square and The Idle, a park constructed on an interstate median.
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Walking distance of Tour A is approximately 0.5 miles.
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Note: Bus rapid transit will be used to travel between Tour A and Tour B. Alternatively, the walking distance is approximately .9 miles to the start of Tour B.
10:00
Start at 200 E. Washington St
Walking Tour B: East Market and Mass Avenue Districts
The East Market District on the east side of downtown Indianapolis’ historic Mile Square has been the seat of local government since 1821. It is undergoing new developments, including the Carson Transit Center, Richard Lugar Plaza, Cummins Global Distribution headquarters, and various residential and mixed-use projects. Ongoing projects include renovating the historic City Market and transforming the former City Hall into a hotel and housing development.
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Massachusetts Avenue, One of four diagonal streets envisioned by original city planner Alexander Ralston, a protégé of Pierre L’Enfant, has rejuvenated since the 1980s. Historic buildings like the Murat and the Athenaeum remain, along with commercial buildings. The district also includes mid-century brutalist public housing and high-end mixed-use developments centered around the recent opening of the Bottleworks.
Walking distance of Tour B is approximately 1.5 miles.
1:30
Bicycle Tour C: The Indianapolis Cultural Trail
Start at 906 Carrollton Ave
Connecting the City: This bicycle tour explores how the Cultural Trail “Connected the City” through infrastructure enhancements and economic development. During the 20th century, Indianapolis became automobile-centric. Neighborhoods and cultural districts were disconnected, and pedestrian, cycling, and placemaking infrastructure were non-existent.
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In the early 2000s, the Indianapolis Cultural Trail was created to repurpose excess vehicular infrastructure for pedestrians and multi-modal use. The trail connects districts, cultural destinations, and institutions, transforming transportation and neighborhoods. The tour includes stops at the War Memorial Historic District and multiple art and placemaking installations utilizing the bike share system.
Biking distance of Tour C is approximately 1.7 miles.
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Tour registration includes the cost of Indiana Pacers Bikeshare rental.
2:45
Start at 617 Indiana Ave
Walking Tour D: Indiana Avenue & White River Urban Park
Culture Lost, Anchors Established: Explore Indiana Avenue, one of the four diagonal streets envisioned by original city planner Alexander Ralston. It connects downtown Indianapolis to the Canal Walk, Indiana University Indianapolis campus, Purdue University Indianapolis campus, multiple hospital campuses, the 16 Tech Innovation District, and historical landmarks, including the Madam Walker Theater.
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The tour will continue exploring White River State Park. This 267-acre urban park includes cultural institutions like the Indianapolis Zoo, the Eiteljorg Museum, the Indiana State Museum, Michael Graves’ NCAA Hall of Champions, the Everwise Amphitheater, and Victory Field. Expansions for the parks along the river are underway.
Walking distance is approximately 1.5 miles.