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SPEAKING

I often share the knowledge that I gain on cities, their growth, and their experience in academic conferences, symposia, and public presentations. Below are a few examples of presentations that I have given on topics such as urban retail, front yards, and the history of downtown Detroit. Contact me if you'd like me to speak to your audience!

PHYSICAL RETAIL TRENDS

LEARNING FROM THE PAST

Urban retail symposium - University of Chicago - 2018

 

This presentation focuses on my study of changing retail patterns in cities across Europe and North America over the past century. By understanding how and why retail location has shifted, we might improve the success of retail’s future re-urbanization. 

THE DOWNTOWN THAT NEVER WAS

THE RISE, FALL AND REINVENTION OF DOWNTOWN DETROIT

Focus on Detroit - University of Michigan - 2015​

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This presentation discusses the turbulent history of downtown Detroit, leading to today's landscape of contrasts. It combines narrative history with morphological mapping to demonstrate the erosion and nascent rebirth of the heart of the Motor City.

LIFE IN THE FRONT YARD

THE RECIPROCAL INTERFACE BETWEEN RESIDENTS AND THE CITY

UX+Design Symposium - Tufts - 2023

 

This presentation reviews how front yards can encourage or discourage public activity and sense of place. It highlights the importance of creating urban spaces for socialization to support community trust and well-being.

DREAM CITY

AUTHOR'S FORUM ON URBANISM

On the Park Bench - CNU - 2022

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This presentation discusses my 2019 book "Dream City" with leading Detroit urbanists Mark Nickita and Dorian Moore. Downtown is in the midst of an astonishing rebirth, in contrast to nearby urban fabric—and yet Downtown provides a hopeful path for Detroit in the coming decade. How can we learn from downtown?

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