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Occupy D.C. protesters. Image by Flickr user Illegalsocks

What are the limits to the use of public space? And who gets to decide? From the Bonus Army comprised of World War One Veterans camped out on the banks of the Anacostia River to the current Occupy D.C. movement in McPherson Square Park, protests and demonstrations often test the boundaries of federal property and the first amendment. Architect, urban designer, and City College of New York Professor Lance Jay Brown, FAIA discusses the complex role of open space in our ever urbanizing  environment.

Following Professor Brown’s presentation, a panel of respondents explore how design can play a role in creating spaces that serve a variety of functions from large demonstrations to everyday use. Respondents include:

• Historian Lucy Barber
• Landscape architect Faye Harwell
• Secretary of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts Thomas Luebke
• National Building Museum curator Susan Piedmont-Palladino (moderator)

Join the conversation on Twitter at #PublicSpaceDC.

The Charles H. Atherton Memorial Lecture program commemorates the life and legacy of Charles Atherton, who served for almost four decades as Secretary of the U. S. Commission of Fine Arts. The lecture series is dedicated to providing a forum for discourse on the planning and design of Washington, D.C.

1.5 LU HSW (AIA) / 1.5 CM (AICP) / 1.5 LA CES (ASLA)

$12 NBM and ASLA Members; FREE Students; $20 Non-members. Prepaid registration required. Walk-in registration based on availability.

Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Registration is for event planning purposes only and does not guarantee a seat. Online registration for Museum programs closes at midnight the day before the scheduled program.

The Museum's award-winning Shop and Firehook Café are open for one hour prior to the start of the program. Shop and Café hours are subject to change.