URSP Students at Bicentennial Charette

On Wednesday, June 23, 2010, stakeholders with an interest in coordinating the War of 1812 Bicentennial Commemorative events in Bladensburg, MD, gathered at the Anacostia Watershed Society's headquarters in the historic George Washington House. Participants in the charrette consisted of Bicentennial Task Force members as well as other community representatives. Those in attendance worked together to brainstorm commemorative events for 2012-2015 as well as lasting changes to the community, such as new park infrastructure, to last beyond the Bicentennial. Among those in attendance were three University of Maryland Community Planning Masters students, representing organizations for which they work: From left to right:  John Heermans with Bostwick House in Bladensburg; Stacie West, of the National Park Service - Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail; and Raymond Hayhurst with the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Prince George's County. 

Connecting Children to Community

In June 2010, first year planning students, Jaime Fearer and Pam Eichenbaum worked with third graders at Watkins Elementary School in the District to introduce them to the principles and practices of planning. Using materials developed by Alex Chen, teams of third graders spent a week conducted an asset audit of the area immediately surrounding the school.  Upon completion they engaged in a group discussion on the strengths and weaknesses as well as opportunities and threats which face their neighborhood. The project culminated in a Box City exercise, using a city grid based on the study area. With Jaime, Pam and parents, acting as planning consultants, students created a new vision for their ideal community.

The School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation at the University of Maryland is home to four academic disciplines: architecture, urban planning, historic preservation and real estate development. Committed to educating its students and community about the importance of sustainability and smart growth, the School practices an interdisciplinary approach to education, research, creative work, and community and professional service. For more information, please e-mail us or call 301.405.8000.

School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation  |  Collaborative Education for a Sustainable Future