Introductory Remarks
Our aim then, today, is to not only ask fundamental questions regarding infrastructure’s definition and scope, but to demarcate more speculative strategies for 6
architectural involvement moving forward. This conference is different from most in two respects. The first is the multidisciplinary quality of this diverse and esteemed group of colleagues and speakers that we’ve assembled today—architects, planners, landscape architects, engineers, policy makers, historians, and information designers. Secondly, and perhaps even more important, is the format of the event. We will focus on conversation and debate among the panelists rather than individual papers. The moderator in each of the three panels will lead the discussion through a series of focused questions, with the aim of generating meaningful debate about this critical issue, as well as to gain a perspective that’s both pragmatic and critical. By bringing together this group of experts with first-hand experience materializing projects, along with researchers and a concerned public, we hope to produce knowledge on the topic in a way that reflects Northeastern’s commitment to addressing these contemporary challenges and socially relevant issues as they arise out of practice. The day is organized into three panels. Our first panel is on civic infrastructure, the second on systems infrastructure, and the third green infrastructure. Grouping the subject matter in this way enabled us to bring together speakers with common expertise and demarcate critical areas of interest, suggesting different architectural agendas.