This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Public Architects Committee and Regional and Urban Design Committee .
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Is the rebuilding of American cities' infrastructure out of our scope as architects? Is it the sole duty of civil engineers?
I was convinced, after talking it over with a few others, that architects can be the leaders in this area, working with other professions to create a master plan for the country's redevelopment. Maybe I was mistaken to think that.
Nonetheless, I continue to research and have recently read with interest this Popular Science web article showing a peek into what America's future infrastructure could be:
http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2010-01/heres-what-future-infrastructure-might-lookOther sites are making a plea for help:
http://www.siteprepmag.com/Articles/Column/2010/10/06/Industry-Voices-Infrastructure-Jobs-Can-Help-Rebuild-EconomyCivil
hat What We Can Do (as citizens)
The president's Labor Day proposal for an "infrastructure bank" and increased capacity in our infrastructure system represented an important step forward. There are few, if any, better drivers of economic growth and job creation than infrastructure investment, but it can't be done piecemeal. America needs a fully-funded, multiyear transportation bill, and we need it now.
That's why AEM has launched "I Make America," an ambitious campaign to build grassroots demand for Congress and the administration to put aside political self-interest to focus on what's in the best interest of the nation. Using the new social media channels and other creative and aggressive tactics, the "I Make America" campaign will harness the constructive power of our industry, our families and our communities to create the future we want.
We need a strategic vision for modernizing our country's infrastructure, and leaders with the courage to make it happen. When it returns to work after the November election, Congress needs to pass a transportation bill, and legislators need to come together on a robust, multifaceted and sustainable way to pay for it, without adding to the national debt.
Go to www.aem.org to find out how you can get involved in the "I Make America" campaign. Congress has the opportunity to act now on transportation re-authorization that will result in immediate job creation. We all realize there are no quick fixes to our nation's economic woes. But Washington has thus far been tinkering around the edges of policies intended to help drive economic growth. Working together, we can get this critical bill enacted. That's what will build America's economy and bring lasting benefits for generations to come.
Metropolis Magazine- On Urban Revitalization thru good design and collaboration on multiple fronts:
We So,I would like to know what you think. Is this something we should invest our efforts in?
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