News Release

Published on September 17, 2019

The National Capital Commission (NCC) today announced season six of its popular Urbanism Lab lecture series. Running between September 2019 and June 2020, season six promises to continue to create spaces where Canadians and leaders in urbanism, design, sustainability, heritage and conservation collectively inspire the future of Canada’s Capital Region.

Over the past five years, nearly 27,500 people have participated in one of the 50 Urbanism Lab events, either in person or via webcast. We expect that this season will attract thousands more. Here is a brief overview of our lineup.

 
September 26, 2019
From point A to B, intelligently: Public transportation success stories

This Urbanism Lab event takes you behind the scenes of public transit expansion and modernization to learn about the pitfalls and triumphs you might not read about in the morning news.

October 24, 2019
The most sustainable buildings in North America

Take a trip around the continent to visit some of the most visually stunning, innovative and environmentally conscious buildings ever built. Speakers from across Canada and the United States will walk you through award-winning designs that elevate sustainability to new heights, and provide a roadmap to making our cities smarter, more livable and resilient.

November 5, 2019
Scientific research in Gatineau Park and the Greenbelt

Did you know that, every year, NCC lands attract scientists from around the world who are working to advance our knowledge of biodiversity and climate change? At this special Urbanism Lab event, scientists will present their research and discuss some of their findings from Gatineau Park, the Greenbelt and the Capital’s urban lands.

November 20, 2019
Inclusive urbanism: perspectives on age, socio-economic status, gender and accessibility in planning

This panel will discuss cities’ terrific potential to bring people together, as well as their ability to exclude and marginalize. This Urbanism Lab event asks what role urban planning can play in reducing inequities and creating inclusive neighbourhoods.

January 2020
Adapting to extremes: climate change projections and urban adaptation

This Urbanism Lab event will explore how cities are using climate forecasting to be more resilient to sudden and gradual changes in the natural environment.

February 2020
The urban geography of race and culture

This Urbanism Lab event explores the history and dynamics of ethnic segregation in the city, from ghettos to ethnic neighbourhoods.

March 2020
Nature as neighbour

This Urbanism Lab event explores why and how some cities are trying to make themselves more livable for humans and animals alike. Come learn about efforts (such as bat boxes, rooftop apiaries and wildlife crossings) undertaken in Ottawa and elsewhere to forge safe and sustainable partnerships with nature.

April 2020
Student ideas competition: The 2020 Challenge

The NCC is once again launching its national competition, challenging students to be innovative. Competition details will be announced at a later date.

May 2020
The changing face of public commemoration

In the biggest cities and the smallest towns, commemorative symbols occupy spaces from which they remind passersby not to forget. On the 75th anniversary of the Dutch royal family’s first dispatch of 100,000 tulip bulbs to Ottawa, this Lab event turns to the interface between memory and public spaces, and examines how commemoration has evolved over time.

June 2020
Reconciliation and the city

How can cities embrace reconciliation? From placemaking to commemorations, employment opportunities and heritage conservation, this Urbanism Lab event explores opportunities to make reconciliation a part of how cities grow and evolve.

Please note that in-person attendance requires advance registration. Due to space limitations, all our events are webcast. Visit our website regularly for updates on our lineup.

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