Join No Small Plans lead author and project director Gabrielle Lyon to hear about the behind the scenes adventures involved in reinventing a 20th century Chicago urban planning textbook as 21st century graphic novel. Inspired by teens, birthed by Kickstarter, reviewed in the New Yorker and distributed as part of a mass-education civic engagement effort, No Small Plans is a home-grown effort to change the story of what makes a good neighborhood one kid at time.

Gabrielle Lyon, Ph.D., is a nationally-recognized non-profit leader, educator, and public speaker with a background that includes launching and leading award-winning social impact organizations and initiatives focused on leveling the playing field of educational opportunity for underserved youth particularly in science, architecture and urban planning. As a senior researcher at the Great Cities Institute she is exploring issues related to cities, youth and design. Questions of interest include: How are youth currently involved in shaping the places they live and learn? What impact do participatory urban experiences have on civic identity? What can be done to generate an evidence base that ensures youth voice informs the development of urban plans at all scales?

This talk is generously hosted by Isthmus an integrated design studio that removes the traditional boundaries between the disciplines of architecture, landscape and urban design. Guided by a clear set of principles and ideas; their kaupapa is based on deepening the relationships between land, people and culture.

Follow Gabrielle on Twitter @LyonGabrielle