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Forward Thinker >> Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS)

What is your Big Idea for Philadelphia?

At the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, we believe what is next for Philly is its recognition as the epicenter for horticulture in the United States.

Rich in horticultural history and expertise, Philadelphia is the birthplace of America’s first horticultural society (PHS) and the Philadelphia Flower Show, the largest indoor flower show in the world. The city is proud to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to experience exceptional examples of floral showcases and fantastic landscape design.

In recent years, Philadelphia has taken gardening and horticulture to the next level with exquisite open spaces incorporating world class art and design elements. This effort is tied together under the vibrant, city-wide “With Art Philadelphia” campaign on display at places like the PHS Pop Up Garden, Longwood Gardens, and the Morris Arboretum.

Philadelphia is on its way to becoming the nation’s greenest city. With the implementation of numerous initiatives - including Mayor Michael Nutter’s Greenworks Philadelphia program, the Philadelphia Water Department’s storm water management initiatives, PHS’s Plant One Million tree-planting campaign, and the construction of city-wide community gardens, green roof installations, and new parks - we are well on the way to making it happen.

FF>> Thinkers & Presenters

Fast Forward is soon here!

We are only weeks away from DesignPhiladelphia, and leading up to the big event we are sharing with you everything Fast Forward. We will be posting What's next in Philly? by our Forward Thinkers and Fast Forward Presenters for 2012.

Stay tuned...

Forward Thinker >> Jeff Brauer

What is your Big Idea for Philadelphia?

From Benjamin Franklin Parkway to The Benjamin Franklin Mall

   

Converting the Parkway to open space will replace a barrier with an active attraction. The Parkway, built prior to the Vine Street Expressway, was designed to carry far more traffic than it does today. At the same time it acts as a physical barrier separating Center City from northern neighborhoods. Making the center lanes a grass mall, will enhance residents’ and visitors’ experiences throughout the district, and reinforce the civic connection between city hall and the art museum. The side lanes would be retained for traffic and bicycles at a calmer speed. Improving pedestrian connections and open space will make this already strengthening area, with the Barnes Museum and others, a vibrant district north of Center City.

Jeff Brauer, M. Arch 2012

Associate Engineer for Amtrak at the PACO Group

Ja.Brauer(at)yahoo.com

Jeff has grown up engaging and observing his surroundings. "From this I have witnessed wonderful places, and spaces which were less pleasant. Often, the latter had such promise and opportunity, but fell just a little short, and by doing so missed the target of ‘great’ by a wide margin. It has been an aim of mine through my studies and now in my professional career to pursue these targets."