The University of Liverpool’s School of Planning welcomed renowned US planner Mitchell Silver, FAICP, Hon. ASLA — former Commissioner of the New York City Department of Parks, President of the American Institute of Certified Planners and past president of the American Planning Association – for an afternoon of insight and inspiration.
In a talk titled `Planning with Purpose`, Mitchell drew attention to the ethical orientation of planning and planners which must complement the rational and technical dimensions of place-making.
Using inspirational examples drawn from his extensive career working in different cities and contexts, he illustrated how understanding the character and soul of places is an essential prerequisite before planning.
He encouraged the audience to “fall in love with the problem, not the solution” in planning and beware of the solutions in search of problems which have often plagued planning practice in the past.
Student projects take centre stage
During the visit, Master’s students presented the client-based projects they have been working on this semester in the Pumpfields area of Liverpool for Liverpool City Council and on proposals to enhance Birkenhad Park for Wirral Council.
Both projects echoed Mitchell’s call for people-centred placemaking and bringing activity and life to places, leading to a lively Q&A that probed topics from planning ethics across sectors to managing gentrification.
“An amazing afternoon”
Dr Olivier Sykes, Senior Lecturer in Planning, said: “What an amazing afternoon for everyone who attended and took part. Mitchell’s talk and our students’ work showed how inspiring planning can be when we focus on people and purpose.
“A huge thank you to Mitchell and our Master’s students, with a special thank you to the audience for their participation and brilliant questions.”
The University of Liverpool is home to the world’s first school of Planning, which was founded in 1909. It continues to be a global leader in both planning education and research.
Find out more about the range of Undergraduate, Master’s and Postgraduate programmes here.
