Albany - The physical spaces in which we live, move and have our being play an essential role in human growth on conscious and subconscious levels. In fact, lived spaces are an integral part of the cultural milieu which influences our perspective on the world and how we understand our place in it, for better or for worse. Lived spaces fundamentally color and shape not only the phenomenon of our present experience, but also signal to us the silent power to unlock new potential for our future as a social species. They are socio-cultural artifacts that leave a legacy whether for good or for ill.
At The Institute, we have the informed perspective to understand the connection between lived spaces and human flourishing. We recognize the opportunity and mission we have to make a positive impact in our clients' communities. It takes both careful planning and inspired innovation to achieve that goal. For this reason, our Institute preserves critical, cultural resources to promote continuous education, knowing that we are empowering future generations to determine what their own progress will look like. As a poignant New Testament scripture puts it, "Like a wise master builder, I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it." (1 Cor 3:10)
As a survey of modern history could show us, certain mistakes and intentional injustices in urban planning bear disastrous social consequences that subject the most vulnerable members of society to exploitation. Without conscientious leadership, the inertia of structural injustice and lack of representation condemns us to repeat the failed experiments of the past to our collective spiritual detriment.
Creative self-determination supplies the distinctive flavor and uniqueness that typifies successful urban placemaking. Consider the centrality of the Burj Khalifa of Dubai, currently the world's tallest structure. It lies at the physical center of a public mixed-use space which in addition to commercial and residential spaces, includes natural parklands and a lake. The tower's soaring upward spiral culminates in a graceful spire which evokes the significance of the minaret in Islamic culture, reminding the observer that the highest aspirations of the human spirit deserve to be nurtured and recognized even in the public urban spaces where we work and go about our daily routines.
This physical centrality of the spiritual in our shared, communal spaces originates as a pre-Columbian value for those of us here in America. For example, consider the many varied mound-building cultures which flourished across the continent since pre-historic times. Each unique culture reflected local traditions and customs in the shape of their earthen mounds, which often were fashioned in the effigy of spiritually-significant animals. These centrally-located, raised spaces could be utilized as meeting places as well as serve sacred, ceremonial functions. The organic way in which indigenous peoples maintained and appreciated their relationship with the natural world speaks to the consciences of those of us living upon the same or adjacent physical places today; and challenges us to develop societies and structures that honor that sacred relationship, so neglected in our times, but so essential for our collective mental health.
As such, we The Institute somberly recognize and solemnly resist the harmful history of socially- engineered injustices in our urban public spaces. Not as an end in itself, but as a means to promoting a higher, collaborative state of consciousness and building a more equitable and promising future for all.
As a pertinent Quranic scripture exhorts, "Do not spread corruption in the land after it has been set in order." (Al-Araf: 56) We therefore take inspiration from the very earth upon which our cityscapes are founded, as it contains stories and dreams from our ancestors which inform our sense of identity and orient us toward progress.
We celebrate the way in which our environment and unique cultural milieu has the potential to uplift the human spirit and promote interconnectedness among all members of society. In this spirit, the members of Black Planning Institute offer their services for the good of the human community, through local projects that bear fruit in the greater global sphere.
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