Prophet? Doomsayer? Visionary? Urban planner and author James Howard Kunstler could well be all three. His morning presentation was disturbing, thought-provoking, frightening -- and ultimately hopeful and inspiring.
He challenged us to rethink our preconceived notions, and tore apart our tidy concepts on everything from transit (traditional rail is the answer, he says, not high-speed light rail) to the ways we use - and abuse - the concept of green spaces. Some of it was shocking, even painful, to hear -- but as he said, dealing with reality is the place we all need to start if we're going to change the course of tomorrow.
His afternoon breakout session on Physical Design and Walkability should be packed with Convention-goers eager to hear more.
