Winter Walk with Wolfe

Big data and other digital tools are reshaping modern life—and the urban fabric of our cities is no exception. Housing, infrastructure, and transportation policies and decisions are increasingly influenced by digital mapping, simulations, the “internet of things,” and other new technologies. While these tools are valuable for understanding urban space, our increasing reliance on technology puts us at risk of losing sight of the value of personal observation of, and connection to, the cities we live in.

Seeing the Better City presents a toolkit for those who live or work in cities to identify and understand the impacts of urban form, neighborhood dynamics, transportation, and other elements they witness in their daily lives to become active participants in the improvement of cities through refined attention to our visual sense and perspective. Through an “urban diary” approach that focuses on cataloguing urban elements and their impacts, especially with photographic documentation, citizens can become acute observers of the interplay of form and function in their cities. But this exercise is not just for show: incorporating diverse experiences and perspectives into urban planning decisions will help ensure our cities remain dynamic and authentically reflect local culture and context.

Join us for a special two hour Roundtable and walking tour of downtown Kirkland. Island Press author Chuck Wolfe will discuss and demonstrate the value of visual sense, immersion, and real world observation as tools to create lasting positive changes in the urban environment. The walking tour will include a participatory exercise stopping at various points of interest in downtown Kirkland and cataloguing observations, photos, and ideas for improvements in the urban landscape. The tour will conclude at Kirkland’s local independent BookTree bookstore with a book signing at 2 pm. Books will also be available for sale at City Hall before the Roundtable.

Speaker

• Chuck Wolfe, author of Seeing the Better City: How to Explore, Observe, and Improve Urban Space

Mark your calendar - details below!

Details

Date/Time: Thursday, February 9th, 12:00 – 2:00 PM

Location/Address: Council Chambers, Kirkland City Hall, 123 5th Ave, Kirkland, WA with walking tour to follow, ending at Kirkland’s local BookTree bookstore for a book signing at 2 pm.

Lunch & Learn: As a lunchtime event, you are welcome to bring lunch to enjoy during the Roundtable.

Attire: Please wear walking shoes and dress for the weather.

What to Bring: Bring something to write with and a camera (smartphone cameras are fine).

Please let us know if we can help accommodate those needing special assistance by emailing patti.southard@kingcounty.gov.

Directions:

By Bus: Routes 234 and 255 drop off a short walk from Kirkland City Hall. See Metro’s Trip Planner to map out your transit options.

By Car or Carpool:

Northbound on I-405:

Take exit 18 from I-405 N

Follow loop and head west on NE 85th St.

Continue on NE 85th St. – this will become Central Way.

Take Central Way and turn right onto 3rd St.

Turn left on 5th Ave. – Destination will be on the left.

There is some parking available at City Hall, as well as street parking available in the neighborhood.