Radical Optimism: Exploring the Next Generation of Urban Infrastructure

The annual PlanScapeArch symposium is a unique collaboration among three of New York City's allied design professional associations: APANY Metro (Plan), ASLA-NY (Scape), and AIA New York (Arch). Over the course of one intensive day, the symposium brings together leading voices from across planning, landscape architecture, and architecture. Through compelling keynote presentations and a series of focused panel discussions, participants will explore a shared theme from multiple professional perspectives.

The program typically convenes thought leaders, practitioners, and policymakers for a dynamic exchange on the ideas shaping our built and natural environments. Attendees will gain fresh insights, engage in meaningful cross-disciplinary dialogue, and earn 6 continuing education (CES) credits, approved by each profession’s accreditation board.

Whether you are a planner, landscape architect, architect, policymaker, or allied professional, this year's theme of Radical Optimism – Exploring the Next Generation of Urban Infrastructure offers a rare opportunity to step beyond disciplinary boundaries to join a vital conversation about the future of our cities. This year’s theme is grounded in a clear position: this is not about imagining better cities, but about designing the financial, civic, and operational systems that make them possible—and durable.

Keynote Speakers:
Mitchell Joachim, Assoc. AIA, Terreform 1
Paul Goldberger, Hon. AIA, Vanity Fair, The New York Times, and The New Yorker

SESSION 1: Infrastructure as Landscape: The New Civic Operating System

Moderator:
James Bennett, PLA, Vice President – Capital Program, NYCEDC

Panel:
Molly Bourne, RLA, FASLA, Principal, MNLA
Adam Friedberg, PE, Partner, Buro Happold
Casey Gorrell, Public Realm Director of Design and Capital, NYC DOT
Claire Weisz, FAIA, Hon. FRAIC, Hon. ASLA, Founding Principal, WXY Architecture + Urban Design

SESSION 2 – The Economics of Optimism

Moderator:
Brad Hargreaves, Founder and Editor, Thesis Driven

Panel:
Aida Stoddard, Co-Head of Development, MAG Partners
Román Viñoly, Partner, Rafael Viñoly Architects
Tom Wright, President & CEO, Regional Plan Association

SESSION 3: Governance as Design

Moderator:
Shachi Pandey, AICP, LEED AP, Principal, MUD Workshop

Panel:
Lee Altman, AIA, Principal, SCAPE
Brian Loughlin, AIA, APA, Principal, Magnusson Architecture and Planning
Omar Toro-Vaca, Director of Planning & Land Use, New York City Council

SESSION 4: Stewardship is the New Design

Moderator:
Kimberlae Saul, AIA, DBIA, WEDG, Vice President and Resiliency Principal, Jacobs

Panel:
Tim Marshall, FASLA, Firm Principal, ETM Associates
Thierry Paret, FAIA, NCARB, RIBA, ARB, MRIAI, LEED AP, VP of Architecture & Engineering, NYC School Construction Authority

Pricing:
Student – Early Bird thru 9/18/26: $25
Virtual – Early Bird thru 9/18/26: $99
In-Person General Public – Early Bird thru 9/18/26: $130
In-Person Member – Early Bird thru 9/18/26: $95