CNU XIV

Although I'm biased, I have to say that in my opinion last week's CNU XIV: Developing the New Urbanism was an incredible conference. Every CNU I have attended has left me inspired, and this one somehow rose above by maintaining a good balance between implementation details and lofty theory & intellectualism. I was running around for the first couple days of the conference due to Chapter commitments, Fellowship events, and the civil engineering session I moderated on Friday (came together at the last minute, of course), but it was really nice to sit back a bit Saturday and Sunday and take it all in.


The highlight for me was Dan Solomon's masterful keynote address about architectural style, meant to put the traditional/modernist debate to bed. The address was so intellectual (and I admit I was burnt out and ready for a nap at the time of it's delivery) it's definitely going to need another listen. Other highlights included a somewhat disjointed but highly original talk from Christopher Alexander, a session about Prince Charles' New Urbanist community, Poundbury, with commentary from Leon Krier, and the Knight Fellowship reunion dinner where I had the chance to meet a bunch of past Fellows.

Definitely check this link to hear part of Andres Duany's talk about male space and the New Urbanism. Hilarious. Unfortunately the session I moderated was at the same time, but luckily CNU has made technological advances this year and posted a ton of info online at The Daily NUws.