University of Arts in Poznań and the City of Poznań, invite to an open lecture of Gil Penalosa entitled: 8 80 Cities: Vibrant Cities, Healthy Communities, Happier People, which will be given on 9 May 2016 at 6 p.m.in CK Zamek, the Great Hall.
Gil Penalosa is a graduate of UCLA Anderson School of Management. He is the founder and CEO of an internationally recognized non-profit organization - 8 80 Cities , and he also runs an international consulting firm - Gil Penalosa & Associates. In addition, he is chair of the World Urban Parks, an international organization that focuses on the issue of urban parks, open spaces and recreation space, and works also as an advisor to Children & Nature Network, StreetFilms and America Walks.
During the lecture will be presented rules for creating a healthy and vibrant city as a good place for people of all ages, regardless of social status. Gil Penalosa will discuss the role of the streets as the most widespread public space, urban parks, and sustainable mobility. During the lecture he will try not only to raise a series of questions about public space, answer them, but at the same time will explain a simple and effective principle of integration of building cities for all, ensuring safety and satisfaction both for children and for elderly people (8 80 Cities, from 8 to 80 years old). In his opinion, this principle should underlie all decisions relating to urban spaces.
The lecture will be open an accompanying event of Poznań Design Days 2016.
Gil Penalosa is a graduate of UCLA Anderson School of Management. He became one of the "100 Most Inspirational Alumni" in his Alma Mater. In 2013, he received the Queen Elizabeth II - Diamond Jubilee Medal. He was also one of the "Top 10 Most Influential Hispanic Canadians".
He is the founder and CEO of an international non-profit organization - 8 80 Cities. based in Canada. The organization, which is based in Canada and is managed by Gil Penalosa is centred on a simple but powerful philosophy; if you create a great city for an 8 year old and an 80 year old, you will create a successful city for all people. Gil also runs an international consulting firm - Gil Penalosa & Associates. He is a great speaker and facilitator of strategic workshops. Because of Gil's unique blend of pragmatism and passion, he is invited by many cities and organizations; Gil has worked in over 200 different cities across different parts of the world.
Gil has been a supporter for improving city parks. One of the first projects was a transformation of Bogota park system. Gil led the design and development of over 200 parks including Simon Bolivar, a 113-hectare park in the heart of the city. Gil's team also initiated the "new Ciclovia"/ Open Streets' project - resulting in over 1.3 million people walking, running, skating and biking along 121 kilometres of Bogotá's city roads every Sunday. Today this project is recognized as a classic and model solution.
Gil is chair of the World Urban Parks, an international organization that focuses on the issue of urban parks, open spaces and space for recreation. He also works for the Danish firm Gehl Architects as an urban expert on mobility and citizen engagement. He also acts as an advisor to Children & Nature Network, StreetFilms and America Walks.