Classic Planning Masterclass

While climate- and neuro-science indicate that beautiful classic planning and traditional architecture reduce emissions and stress by half contemporary architecture urbanism and construction practices continue to cause over 55% of global warming—the bulk of emissions in the world—and an array of public health challenges. Paradoxically beauty not technology is the key to the survival of cities. It is therefore practical to demand in the mainstream the replacement of today’s damaging practices with the beautiful holistic and proven traditional methods that continue to work the best.

Join Dr. Nir Buras the man who wrote the book on how to “do things right” for 5 hours of enjoyable common sense and beauty that will confirm your intuitions and validate your instincts about place-making and architecture. Focusing on Ottawa-Gatineau Dr. Buras the charismatic author of The Art of Classic Planning and Head of the Classic Planning Institute (CPI) will lead a Classic Planning Masterclass on the principles of how to build cities to ensure they don’t fall victim to today’s dystopian practices.

• Understand the neuroscientific basis of the age-old classical method
• Discover the aspirational approach that defuses the problems that “problem-solving” causes
• Learn to balance Town and Country harmoniously
• Learn to “translate” community aspirations into urban design guidelines
• Gain architectural literacy to “read” the built environment and its beauty
• Work in facilitated groups to share your thoughts on improvements to help beautify the fabric of Ottawa-Gatineau.

This hands-on Masterclass will include some drawing but no drafting experience is necessary. Free drafting tools a sandwich lunch and refreshments will be provided. Dr. Buras’s The Art of Classic Planning will be available for purchase.

This event will be eligible for:

• CLP Credits for members of the Canadian Institute of Planners and provincial chapters such as OPPI and OUQ
• 5 AIA HSW Learning Units are available for this Masterclass. Classic Planning Institute Course Number: 2024 - 20 Large City Masterclass.

Given the unique nature and cost of this undertaking assistance in sponsorship or a gift to the CPI a 501(c)3 nonprofit are very much appreciated.

Note: All sums are in Canadian Dollars. Sums raised in excess of the Masterclass budget will be donated to Heritage Ottawa.

Lecturer: Dr. Nir Buras is a leading new traditional architect and urbanist founder of the Classic Planning Institute and author of The Art of Classic Planning. Dr. Buras designs towns cities and buildings he runs experiments holds workshops writes and speaks about some of the most interesting developments in the world of architecture and planning—and where we might find ourselves in the future. His work helps communities with their long-term planning and architects who are inventing new local styles. He teaches Classic Planning Institute Fellows architectural literacy and classic planning basics and researches the neuroscience of the built environment with his scientific colleagues. 

Host or Publisher The Classic Planning Institute