The University of Florida School of Architecture hosted a Special Session of the Mayors’ Institute on City Design in Gainesville, FL from October 23-25, 2024. With host Mayor Harvey Ward, the event convened seven mayors and seven design leaders in a collaborative workshop to discuss the most pressing design and development issues in each of their cities.
Seven experts in architecture, landscape architecture, arts and culture, transportation, urban planning, urban design, and economic development joined the mayors for two and a half days of discussions, exchanging ideas and offering pragmatic advice for each project. The participating mayors brought a range of projects to this session, seeking to address a wide array of challenges and opportunities through improvements to the built environment. Throughout the session, mayors explored frameworks for reviving main streets, connecting urban environments with nature, uplifting local cultural assets, using the design process to promote community healing, and improving safety for all. Participants left with strengthened aspirations and a new set of tools for leading with design.
“MICD was an unparalleled opportunity to share our design question with dedicated peers and experts. The breadth of perspective and attention to our specific question will be a game changer for our community.”
Highland Park, IL Mayor Nancy Rotering
Mayors were introduced to the many facets of the design process by the Resource Team, a group of multi-disciplinary experts whose breadth and depth of experience illustrated how design can generate creative solutions to complex problems.
“It’s amazing what happens when caring professionals gather in the spirit of sharing and learning.”
Lynn Osgood, Executive Director, Civic Arts
The session began with a tour of Gainesville that showcased the city’s unique and vibrant downtown. Led by host Mayor Harvey Ward and Kathleen Kauffman, Historic Preservation Officer, Sarit Sela, City Architect, and Rick D. Smith, Director of the Gainesville CRA, the tour highlighted historic changes, recent city investments, and upcoming efforts to invigorate central Gainesville. Participants explored Depot Park and its surroundings, learning how public investments in brownfield remediation and streetscape improvements have led to a thriving, culturally vibrant extension of downtown. Within Depot Park, Mayor Ward welcomed the group to the Cade Museum for an opening reception and dinner. The group was also welcomed by session host Sarah Gamble, Architect and Assistant Professor at the University of Florida; Chimay Anumba, Dean of the UF College of Design, Construction and Planning; and Trinity Simons Wagner, Executive Director of the Mayors’ Institute on City Design. While in Gainesville, the group also explored a series of defining projects in the Innovation District, where public, private, and joint ventures are coming together to bridge the gap between downtown and campus.
The session host, the UF School of Architecture, deploys studio-based design and scenario modeling methodologies in collaboration with emerging experts in engineering, ecology, business, anthropology, artificial intelligence, energy, fine arts, medicine, and construction. As the third largest state population in the US and the fastest growing as of 2023, Florida faces both the challenges and opportunities that come with rapid and sustained growth. The School of Architecture is uniquely positioned to respond to these issues by deploying studio-based design and scenario modeling methodologies in collaboration with emerging experts in engineering, ecology, business, anthropology, artificial intelligence, energy, fine arts, medicine, and construction. Within the University of Florida, the State’s flagship research institution, a trove of researchers and faculty, dedicated to academic excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration, are focused on the demands of changing Florida culture.
Mayors
Harvey Ward | Gainesville, FL (Host)
Jared M. Kraham | Binghamton, NY
Derrick R. Wood | Dumfries, VA
Nancy Rodkin Rotering | Highland Park, IL
Thurman ‘Bill’ Bartie | Port Arthur, TX
Yvonne Flowers | Poughkeepsie, NY
Angie Deuitch | Michigan City, IN
Erin Easter | West Lafayette, IN
Resource Team
Claire Agre | Unknown Studio
Shane Hampton | Main Street America
Emily Koller | City of Amarillo
Radhika Mohan | Gensler
Lynn Osgood | Civic Arts
Amit Price Patel | Dialog
Kristopher Smith | LISC Jacksonville
The Mayors’ Institute on City Design (MICD) is a leadership initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the United States Conference of Mayors. Since 1986, MICD has helped transform communities through design by preparing mayors to be the chief urban designers of their cities. MICD conducts several sessions each year. For a list of upcoming events, past participants, and more information, visit micd.org and follow @MICDdotORG on social media.