Alameda Point

Renowned Planner Shapes Future of Alameda Point

July 29th, 2009

The plan for Alameda Point that local voters will consider has been crafted by Peter Calthorpe, a planner known internationally for innovative, forward-thinking planning.

Calthorpe has led a growing movement in the world of planning toward a new set of principles called New Urbanism. This approach to planning emphasizes neighborhoods and urban centers that are walkable, transit-oriented and environmentally sustainable.

After studying at Yale’s Graduate School of Architecture, Calthorpe promoted energy-efficient buildings and solar design initiatives at the Farrallones Institute, the California Office of the State Architect, and with Van der Ryn, Calthorpe and Partners.

In 1983, he established Calthorpe Associates, allowing him to successfully implement his philosophies through cutting-edge projects in Portland, Salt Lake, Austin, the Twin Cities, and Los Angeles.

During the Clinton Administration, Calthorpe provided guidance for HUD’s Empowerment Zone and Consolidated Planning Programs as well as the HOPE VI program to rebuild failed public housing projects.

His international work has demonstrated that community design with a focus on environmental sustainability and human scale can be adopted throughout the globe. Chosen by the State of Louisiana to lead long-term planning efforts following the destruction caused by hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Calthorpe is now the Lead Planner for the “Louisiana Speaks” planning initiative, and his firm is helping advise the Louisiana Recovery Authority on how southern Louisiana can recover from Hurricane Katrina while restoring wetlands and other ecologically sensitive areas.

Calthorpe has written influential books on planning, has lectured extensively throughout the world and has taught at U.C. Berkeley, University of Washington, University of Oregon, and University of North Carolina. Calthorpe has received numerous honors and awards, including appointment to the President’s Councils for Sustainable Development and, most recently, the Urban Land Institute’s prestigious JC Nichols Prize for Lifetime Achievement.

www.calthorpe.com