34th International

Making Cities Livable Conference

Alpbach & Salzburg, AUSTRIA

September 15 - 20, 2002

Plenary & Panel Sessions

New Urban Neighborhoods
Principles for the design of new urban neighborhoods. Identifying necessary infrastructure. Role of mixed use, density & diversity.
The European Square: Principles & Case Studies
History & functions of European squares. Design principles. Evolution of selected city squares.
Rediscovery of Public Space (Old & New)
Restoration of historic squares. Design of new public spaces
Models & Visions for the Design of Cities
Consequences of past models, and visions for the city of tomorrow.
Teaching the Livable City
Architecture & planning curricula for livable cities.
Designing Cities for Youth & the Elderly
Features of planning & architecture that affect the lives of young people & the elderly. Appropriate principles for architecture, land use planning, transportation planning and urban design.
Community Participation in Planning & Design
Models of involving community in planning decisions and increasing civic engagement
Preserving the Architectural Heritage & Cultural Landscape
Sustainable Cities & Regions
Principles of ecological design & social sustainability
Strengthening Community through Urban Design & Infill
Reweaving the physical and social fabric. Creating places for community.
Conversion of Former Military & Industrial Sites
Case studies

Program

The Salzburg program is focused primarily on the Multifunctional European Square.

During the last 20 years the main square has played an increasingly important role in reviving the heart of European cities, yet problems arise when an unbalanced pattern of use occurs. What are the preferred solutions? What effect does development at the city's periphery have on the healthy functioning of the square? If the multifunctional square is such an important catalyst for community-building and civic engagement, should new urban developments (not only in Europe) be designed around a multi-functional urban square? These are some of the questions to be addressed at this Seminar.

Sessions will be held in the historic "Marmor Saal" (Marble Hall) in Schloss Mirabell in Salzburg. Participants will be greeted by Buergermeister (Mayor) Dr. Heinz Schaden on Wednesday, September 18th.

Topics of Panel Sessions

The square as a market place: past & current functions
The square as a tourist attraction: balancing tourist's & residents' interests
Principles of design of squares
Restoring & reviving the square:case studies
The square as a setting of significant community events, festivals & celebrations
The square as a catalyst for community engagement
New architecture appropriate to the square
Artistic & aesthetic qualities of individual squares

Program Outline

Sept. 15: Alpbach

12 - 2pm Social Event (Lunch at Alpine restaurant)
2 - 5pm Registration at Hotel Alpbacherhof
6 - 7pm Reception
9 - 10:30pm Opening Session (Hotel Alpbacherhof)

Sept. 16 & 17

9am - 6pm Plenary & Panel Sessions

Sept. 18: Salzburg: Marmor Saal, Schloss Mirabell

10:30am Opening Session: The Multifunctional Square
1:30pm Welcome: Mayor Heinz Schaden
2 - 5pm Plenary & Discussion Sessions
6 - 7pm Reception

Sept. 19: Salzburg: Marmor Saal, Schloss Mirabell

9am - 5pm Plenary & Discussion Sessions

Sept. 20: Salzburg (location to be announced)

9 - 12am Organizational Meeting: Association for the European Square

Hotel Accommodations

Alpbach: The Hotel Alpbacherhof, a traditional 4-star hotel is holding rooms for conference participants at special low rates (single 72 Euros, double 128 Euros, single in double room 83 Euros). The hospitality and comfort of the Alpbacherhof has for decades made it the favorite hotel of world renowned leaders, policy makers, philosophers, scientists, artists & writers. For reservations call +43-5336-5237, or fax +43-5336-5237-200, mentioning the Conference.

Salzburg: The Hotel Sacher (formerly Oesterreichischer Hof) a renowned historic hotel overlooking the river and old city of Salzburg (5 minutes walk to Schloss Mirabell, where conference sessions will take place) offers participants reasonable rates for September 18th & 19th, longer if you wish. (Single 130 Euros, double 200 Euros.) When making reservations please mention the conference to obtain these rates. Tel: +43-662-88977-351; Fax: +43-662-88977-551; e-mail: reservierung@sacher.com.

Alpbach & Salzburg

Conference sessions will be held in Alpbach, September 15 - 17, and in nearby Salzburg, September 18 - 19. Alpbach, one of Austria's most beautiful villages, with its traditional architectural identity intact, since 1947 has been the seat of the European Forum, a renowned center for dialogue and policy making, after which other "think tanks" have been modeled.

Salzburg, known as one of the world's most beautiful cities, still exhibits an intact urban fabric, and "Stadtbild", with a historic center around five pedestrian squares, a daily farmers market and a rich tradition of cultural events.