Employing NBS to Repurpose Vacant Lots
There are more than 32,000 vacant lots in the city of Chicago. Once viewed as a symbol of disinvestment, such properties are increasingly being reclaimed and converted into creative community assets–both in Chicago, and around the world. Approaches to this work can range from simple improvements by neighbors to professionally designed, multi-functional spaces.
In this session, hear from speakers focused on transforming blocks, neighborhoods, and cities into more responsive, resilient, and vibrant landscapes. They discuss how these lots can be adapted to supply food, reduce crime, mitigate flooding, and even improve physical and psychological health.
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Guests
Ernest C. Wong, PLA, FASLA, APA
Ernest is the founding principal and president of site. He has been instrumental in the evolution of the firm as a multicultural, cutting-edge design entity. Over 31 years as site’s manager, Wong has helped the firm establish a reputation for creative design solutions and thoughtful, community-oriented urban spaces. Ernie also serves on the board of numerous public service organizations and professional juries, and is a frequent speaker at universities and conferences. In 2013, Ernie was elevated to the American Society of Landscape Architects Council of Fellows for his exceptional leadership and extensive community service and outreach work.
Ariam Ford-Graver
Ariam is executive director of Grounded Strategies in Pittsburgh. A city planner by trade and self-driven by choice, she is deeply passionate about equitable development, community planning, and land-use policy. Her professional work has focused on community-led land use interventions, resident empowerment, civic education programs, geospatial statistics, and GIS mapping. Ariam holds a master’s degree in City Planning from Boston University and a bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Virginia. She currently serves on the board of Propel Schools.
