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

OPINION: I Led the Campaign To Get Cars Out Of Central Park, But I Strongly Oppose an E-Bike Ban

People now calling for a ban on e-bikes seem to forget what the park was like before cars were banned. It was way worse.

December 17, 2025

The Real Reason America Can’t Have The Tiny Japanese-Style Cars Trump Says He Wants

Trump is right that kei cars are super-kawaii — but he's wrong that clearing the regulatory decks is enough to bring them to U.S. shores.

December 17, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines: Another Record Edition

The DOT built a record number of protected bike lanes between 2022 and 2024, the agency boasted yesterday. But it pales by comparison to what the agency was legally required to build. Plus other news.

December 17, 2025

Mamdani’s Free Buses Plan Faces ‘Uphill Battle’ in Albany

The fight over free buses could be an early barometer of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and Gov. Hochul's ability to compromise.

December 16, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines: The Public Realm Edition

Renewed calls for a Deputy Mayor for the Public Realm. Plus other news.

December 16, 2025
See all posts