Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In

Sprawl: A Compact History:
A Panel discussion with author Robert Bruegmann

In this lively program co-sponsored by the Municipal Art Society's Urban Center Books and the Storefront for Art and Architecture, author Robert Bruegmann will articulate the ways his controversial claims about urban history and current public policy challenge conventional planning wisdom and highlight the often-overlooked benefits of sprawl. An expert panel of urban designers and historians will then debate the social, economic, environmental, and aesthetic implications related to contemporary issues of mobility, privacy and choice outlined in this scholarly “best-seller” that has been a surprise hit of the season.

Moderator:
James Russell, architecture critic.

Confirmed Panelists:
Robert Bruegmann, professor of Art History, Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Illinois at Chicago;
Eugenie Birch, chair and professor, Department of City and Regional Planning, University of Pennsylvania;
Alexander Garvin, adjunct professor of Urban Planning and Management, Yale University.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

UPDATE: State Lawmakers Cut Hochul’s Car Insurance Scheme From Their Budget

The Uber-backed plan to lower car insurance rates has drawn criticism from legal professionals, crash victim advocates and state pols who say the legislative changes would strip crash victims of rights.

March 10, 2026

Mamdani’s 14th Street Redesign: The Perfect Opportunity For BRT-Style Bus Stations

A "once-in-a-generation upgrade" to 14th Street offers Mayor Mamdani a chance to make New York City's streets "the envy of the world."

March 10, 2026

The Speeding Situation in New York City Is Even Worse Than It Seems

Speed cameras can’t ticket vehicles with ghost plates — which means we don't know how often their drivers break the law.

March 10, 2026

Tuesday’s Headlines: Harsh Winter Edition

Sure, it was a gorgeous day yesterday — but that's only because you're not a mauled street safety device. Plus other news.

March 10, 2026

Community Boards Push Mamdani’s DOT to Use ‘Sammy’s Law’ To Lower Speed Limits

As City Hall and the Council bicker over lower speed limits, community boards are demanding action.

March 9, 2026

Urban Truth Collective: Straight Talk About The Joy Of Cities In An Age Of Disinformation

The Three Tenors of Urbanism explain their latest effort: The Urban Truth Collective.

March 9, 2026
See all posts