The symposium consists of specialized presentations by the each panelist describing current conditions. David Bergman reviews the history of the 2008 economic crisis, the relevance of capital markets, and future economic growth. Bergman discusses why economic policies succeed and fail, citing historical precedents. He describes the recent real estate bubble, and how the lack of commercial demand reflects the biggest determining factor of the current and future economic situation.

Participating by video, Amale Andraos and Dan Wood of the Manhattan firm Work AC describe their book, 49 Cities, which examines a wide variety of built and hypothetical urban environments, mapping their ecological, economic, and industrial organization. In a brief history of urban housing, they reveal that Le Corbusier’s Radiant City seemed to consistently rank in the top of their subjective categories. They discuss the resurgence of urban farming and sustainablity as layering the environment and contemporary discourse.

Rene Peralta describes his designs as juxtaposed neighboring conditions aimed at creating awareness. He strives to conflict and contradict existing urban conditions.

Peter Zellner leads the panel in a discussion of the economy. Panelists talk about the differences between resource and capital, policy and interest, and the future role of the urban architect. While suggesting certain alternatives to the current recession, the guests agree it will take a while before new construction and redevelopment take hold.