SMART GROWTH SYMPOSIUM HELPS MARYLAND STUDENTS RE-THINK THE FUTURE OF SUB-URBAN DESIGN

What will Montgomery County look like in twenty-five years?

This was one of many questions examined last week as the National Center for Smart Growth and Education, The University of Maryland Urban Studies and Planning Program and the Montgomery County Planning Department brought together some of the brightest minds in the fields of planning and development to "Makeover Montgomery," a three day conference tackling some of the nation's biggest urban challenges. For residents and industry professionals, it was a chance to gain fresh ideas and perspectives on some of the most perplexing problems facing suburbs like Montgomery County.

For Maryland students attending the conference, it was the ultimate "realworld" short-course; learning how planners, economists, designers and environmental experts are addressing challenges today, making them better planners and designers tomorrow.

Graduate students from the architecture program presented case studies showing how five diverse sites in the county might be developed under the new code, and how that compares to existing zoning.

Culminating a semester-long urban design seminar taught by Professor of Architecture MatthewBell, the student teams worked closely with the Montgomery County Planning staff, who providedtheir help and expertise throughout the project. MRED student Tim Phillips served as a financial advisor, modeling each scenario in terms of a basic proforma to determine the financial impacts of the zoning changes.

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The School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation at the University of Maryland is home to four academic disciplines: architecture, urban planning, historic preservation and real estate development. Committed to educating its students and community about the importance of sustainability and smart growth, the School practices an interdisciplinary approach to education, research, creative work, and community and professional service. For more information, please e-mail us or call 301.405.8000.

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