“The City In 2050: Creating Blueprints For Change”– ULI Explores Future Urban Design And Development With Visionary Exhibit
Galbreath Family Foundation is Leading Sponsor for Initiative
For more information, contact: Trisha Riggs, 202-624-7086; priggs@uli.org
WASHINGTON (September 18, 2008) -- An urban laboratory that explores factors shaping the future design and development of cities worldwide -- including emerging trends for alternative energy use, new technology affecting housing, and new approaches to achieve economic, social and environmental sustainability – is being prepared by the Urban Land Institute (ULI). “The City in 2050: Creating Blueprints for Change” will debut at the Institute’s upcoming Annual Fall Meeting and Urban Land Expo, slated for October 27-30 at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami Beach, Fla.
The unprecedented undertaking is possible due to a generous donation from ULI Trustee Lizanne Galbreath on behalf of the Galbreath Family Foundation. According to Ms. Galbreath, the exhibit’s futuristic, long-term view reflects the visionary approach to real estate investment and development espoused by her father, Daniel M. Galbreath, and grandfather John W. Galbreath. In 1921, John Galbreath established the real estate development firm John W. Galbreath and Company, which became an international leader in development, management and leasing.
“Innovation, sustainability, creativity and environmental awareness formed the bedrock of the Galbreath Family development legacy. It is very exciting to help fund this visionary initiative from ULI that looks at the directions cities are headed, and which inspires progressive thought on how to create better places for people to live and work,” said Ms. Galbreath, managing partner of Galbreath and Company. “Developers have to balance the economics, the markets, the tenants, the owners and the financial challenges of the business, but innovation is the exciting part of being in the industry – the ability to create something different, and be forward thinking, rather than just reflective on what was done in the past.”
The exhibit, which will span 3,600 square feet, explores various “drivers of change” that will have a lasting impact on urban development patterns globally in the coming decades, including: rapid urbanization; rising energy costs; climate change; infrastructure needs in both mature and emerging markets; population growth, demographic shifts; household formation changes, and economic shifts. It will underscore the need to pursue efficient, intelligent land use as a critical strategy for sustainable development.
Richard M. Rosan, president, ULI Worldwide, said ULI will use this exhibit to spark an industry-wide conversation about the role that wise land use policies have in shaping sustainable and thriving communities worldwide. “From creative development around transit to alternative energy use, from the latest in green office technology to advances in retail delivery, this initiative will encourage innovative thinking and adoption of best practices. It is a compelling new way for ULI to advocate responsible land use,” Rosan said. “We are thrilled with the generosity of the Galbreath family for making The City in 2050 a reality.”
Each portion of the exhibit contemplates the connection between different elements of social, environmental and economic sustainability, including mixed-income housing; adequate infrastructure; ample public space; places of commerce; environmental preservation; green design principles; and financial feasibility. Several major themes will be illustrated with real-world examples that exemplify innovative urban development and future-oriented solutions. The last phase of the exhibit will seek input from attendees on crafting a comprehensive agenda for progressive urban development practices.
While the display is the focal point, The City in 2050 has three components: the exhibit itself; a related publication; and ongoing engagement. It is the beginning of a multi-year program in which ULI will further explore various land use options to accommodate population growth and declining energy resources in a rapidly urbanizing world.
“We see the entire initiative as a means to educate and inform -- a tool that will trigger dialog and actions leading to positive change in urban growth,” Rosan said.
Following the initial display of The City in 2050 at the ULI fall meeting, it will be available in its entirety or in portions to serve as a traveling exhibit. In addition to the Galbreath Family Foundation, other sponsors providing financial support for the exhibit include Akerman Senterfitt; Bank of America; Cherokee Investment Partners; Cisco Systems; Gale International; Miami Worldcenter; and Turnberry Group of Companies.
About the Urban Land Institute
The Urban Land Institute (www.uli.org) is a nonprofit education and research institute supported by its members. Its mission is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. Established in 1936, the Institute has more than 40,000 members representing all aspects of the land use and development disciplines.