On Saturday, October 29th, the UDBS hosted a HACKABLE CITY WORKSHOP at Project RE_. John invited members of ONE Architecture and Urbanism, Matthijs Bouw and Travis Bunt to lead the workshop. He also invited key members from the Pittsburgh community to lead discussions at tables. People from all different types of backgrounds participated. While from different backgrounds, all shared a desire and commitment for improving physical and social aspects of the communities represented. The workshop focused on resiliency, with a specific focus on economic resiliency. Everyone worked on strategies that looked toward empowering communities with opportunities that can evolve through generations, preventing the type of loss that occurs when hope is attached to a single entity.
I found the workshop to be really refreshing. John has always stressed that the projects UDBS take a lot of people to complete. It’s just not just the 17 of us in studio; there are residents, politicians, finance agents, manufacturers, suppliers, foundations, contractors, and so much more. Seeing these different players who all share a passion for transforming their communities for the better has made the importance of those relationships tangible. It made me ask if I have a passion for transforming my community? And, if I do, what actions can I take to bring about that change?













