Sustainable Futures: Designing Green Communities and Buildings

In this episode of the Sustainable Futures Podcast, Steven Peck sits down with ecological engineer, author, and National Geographic Explorer Nadina Galle to discuss the future of greener, healthier cities. From the “Internet of Nature” to citizen science apps, biodiversity monitoring, and green roofs, Nadina explores how technology can strengthen our connection to the natural world. She unpacks why nature is essential infrastructure, how urban design impacts human wellbeing, and what cities can do to create more resilient communities in the face of climate change.

In this episode, Sustainable Futures sits down with the luminary planner and researcher Clare Cooper Marcus. Clare is a prominent educator in landscape architecture and architecture and a pioneer in the field of social issues in housing, open space design, and healing landscapes. She is an author and co-author of a number of books and research studies; a multi-award winner; and a tireless advocate for the importance of place in the realm of health and wellbeing. Join us for a conversation on the powerful impact connections with the natural world can have on our physical and mental wellbeing, and how design can affect and influence how we live, work, play, and grow.

In this episode, Sustainable Futures sits down with researcher, educator, design consultant, and long-time green roof expert Dr. Karen Liu of Next Level Stormwater Management. Karen has worn many hats over the course of her illustrious career playing key roles in green roof research; technical standard development; and design projects across the globe. She has applied her extensive expertise on all things green roofs to guide decisions that enhance performance, maximize co-benefits, and achieve tangible results for clients as well as engaging the next generation of designers and installers to secure the future of the field. Join us for a conversation on water management, extreme heat, and the importance of connecting with natural spaces through green infrastructure.

In this episode, Sustainable Futures sits down with rooftop farmer and sustainable food systems advocate August Stubler, who oversees the operations of the Blackwood Educational Land Institute’s Skyfarm at POST Houston. August has a passion for connecting communities with sustainable, local food and uses the farm to further that passion by exploring what is possible on a 1 acre plot of rooftop in downtown Houston, Texas. Through the Skyfarm, they are pushing the boundaries of rooftop food production and exploring how to develop sustainable, resilient food systems for Southeastern Texas. Join us for a conversation on the importance of connecting with food production and bringing farming into the city.

In this episode, Sustainable Futures sits down with activist, developer, and President of the Daniels Corporation Mitchell Cohen, as he details his work in the redevelopment of the critically underserved and disadvantaged Toronto community of Regent Park. Mitchell shares his experiences working in community development in Montreal, and how that eventually led him to spearhead the $1.5 billion revitalization project. Through an emphasis on affordability, community preservation, and resilience, his work in Regent Park has transformed the neighborhood from one of neglect and inattention to a thriving and inclusive community with deep connections to history and place for those who live there, fulfilling a 75 year vision for the community. Join us for a conversation on how affordability and preservation can be prioritized while growing our communities for the future of urban growth.You can find Mitchell’s book Rhythms of Change - Reflections on the Regent Park Revitalization at all major retailers.

In this episode, Sustainable Futures sits down with a luminary of sustainable built environment systems, Gail Vittori. Gail is the Co-Director of the Center for Maximum Potential Building Systems, and has lead the way in the field of sustainable health care and resilient building. Through her career she has led innovative resilience strategies and explored ways to enhance the built environment for this and future generations, such as the proposal of a conceptual framework for what became the City of Austin's Green Building Program, widely considered the first green building program in the world. She is also the co-author of Sustainable Healthcare Architecture, a seminal work on the design and operations of sustainable healthcare facilities which promote healing and wellbeing through their design and interface with natural systems. Join us for a conversation on the power of the natural world, and the important ability it has to enhance our wellbeing.

In this episode, Sustainable Futures sits down with climate science pioneer Dr. Cynthia Rosenzweig to discuss the impacts and opportunities of climate change on our urban environments and how we can create more resilient communities. Dr. Rosenzweig’s work has been at the forefront of climate science and resilience planning for decades leading large-scale interdisciplinary research studies on the impacts of climate change in both rural and urban settings. Her research has shaped how we understand the close relationship between food and climate change, most notably predicting the impacts of the interaction between climate and food systems. Join us for a conversation on climate, progress, and how one of our premier climate researchers maintains her positivity for the future.

In this episode, Sustainable Futures sits down with microbiologist and Columbia University Professor Emeritus Dr. Dickson Despommier to discuss his pioneering work and thought leadership on vertical farming. Beginning as a thought experiment for his students in 1999, Dr. Despommier quickly recognized the impact that vertical farming could have in revolutionizing our food systems and mitigating climate change. Since then he has been a tireless advocate for this sustainable food practice, and has helped throw the doors open on the viability of vertical farms. Join us for a conversation on food, sustainability, and how a microbiologist came to re-envision the future of agriculture and the power of the built environment to do so.

Sustainable Futures sits down with designer and consultant Bill Browning to discuss the science and practice of biophilic design and how it can influence and affect our interaction with the world around us.

Sustainable Futures sits down with artist, designer, and thought leader Herbert Dreiseitl to discuss the critical role of water in natural ecosystems.

Sustainable Futures is joined by Nicole Austin, Black Student Engagement Coordinator, and Arlene Throness, Urban Farm Manager, to discuss their work with the urban rooftop farms at Toronto Metropolitan University.

Sustainable Futures is joined by green roof luminary Ed Snodgrass to discuss his pioneering work in sustainable farming practices, his leadership in the green roof industry, and his contributions to our understanding of native planting practices.

Sustainable Futures is joined by Howard Neukrug to discuss the management of water in the city of Philadelphia, how it can be addressed through green infrastructure.