It would be impossible to discuss urban livability without confronting the concept of urbanism - its many, varied forms, historical basis, aesthetic qualities, functional performance, and urban lifestyles. The 1999 Weiss Symposium at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus presents a unique end-of-the-century opportunity to reflect on traditional urbanism, and to ponder the future of urbanism in a world where the importance of local communities and a sense of place are increasingly challenged by technological advances, globalism, and the commodification of urban places. Presenters and participants will consider and debate the contemporary relevance of traditional urban forms as more sustainable, livable alternatives in an age of sprawl
