Presenter: Ryan Call, Partner, Urban Field Studio.
This Fall, we’re going to hit it where the rubber meets the road.
California has finally uncorked housing development. Development is all around us, in West Berkeley and Downtown, on San Pablo Avenue, University Avenue, and beyond. It’s an exciting time. Here’s the question for you:
Are there design principles BDA will advocate for that go beyond individual sites?
In our Fall Series, we are going to focus on the Sidewalk Realm, and how buildings meet the street.
What design elements support great community and quality of life? Do we want to support further development of outdoor dining spaces? Transparency at ground floors? Since 100% retail on ground floors often exceeds demand, what other uses can we envision?
BDA members have considered these tradeoffs in the abstract over the last year when we discussed retail demand and saturation with Christine Firstenberg and then a few months ago when the City staff presented the status of Corridors Zoning Update. With that background, BDA can consider recommendations on not just where retail should be located and how much, but how architectural and public realm design can lead to successful and active spaces.
At the end of the series, we hope to answer the question: What will the BDA advocate for in this new era?
Ryan Call will provide design context and lead the discussion. Ryan is a partner with Urban Field Studio, a boutique design firm focused on the intersection of architecture and urban design. He has practiced architecture in the Bay Area since 2001 with a particular focus on the urban design and master planning of retail and entertainment districts.
Our members might generate a list of key design principles. It might become a seal of support we offer to developers. It might be a list of design concepts we share with City Hall. Join us for the conversation!
Location: AIA East Bay Conference Room, Brower Center, 2150 Allston Way #310, Berkeley, CA 94709.
Many thanks to AIA East Bay for hosting this event!