Sustainable town development

"Sustainable Town Development in the Intermountain West"

Tuesday, October 21, 2014 | 12:30-1:30 p.m. 
Whitewater Room, Idaho Commons

Presenter: 
Wendy McClure - Architecture (emeritus)

Abstract

Historic mining towns in the Intermountain West persist along a spectrum that includes virtual ghost towns, towns that have been preserved by deliberate policy or neglect, and towns that are being transformed by unbridled contemporary development. Why did some towns persevere during the mining era and others fail? During the post-mining era, why have some communities been more successful at preserving their historic contexts and adapting them to fit the needs of contemporary economies and culture? What lessons might be learned to help guide sustainable development in small towns?  The presentation and discussion will use representative mining communities throughout the Rocky Mountain West to help address these questions.

 Biography

Wendy McClure is the first woman architecture faculty member at the University of Idaho to earn tenure and promotion and to serve as department chair. In 2011, she received a UI Teaching Excellence Award in recognition of her program to engage students and communities in action-based, service-learning partnerships.  During her 27 years at the university, Prof. McClure developed an integrated program for teaching, scholarship and outreach, which targeted the revitalization needs of more than 50 Northwest communities.  Through the venues of architectural practice, ongoing scholarship and community activism, she continues to pursue strategies for sustainable community development and revitalization.