Thank You David

By Rachel Bailey

David Byrne to Speak at Congress for New Urbanism Panel in May

[Homepage photo by Mark C. Austin]
“If I were David Byrne,” sang Brad Roberts of the Crash Test Dummies, “I’d go to galleries and not be too concerned.” Thing is, though, David Byrne is concerned—specifically about modern life and the way we build cities.
The former Talking Heads frontman proved himself to be a thoughtful observer of urban growth and planning last year with his Bicycle Diaries and an essay in the Wall Street Journal about his ideal city. This year, Byrne will continue his role as urban commentator at the Congress for New Urbanism’s 18th annual conference, “Rx for Healthy Places” in Atlanta, May 19-22.
For the opening night panel discussion, Byrne will join CNU 18’s chair, Georgia Tech architecture professor Ellen Dunham-Jones; award-winning park developer Charles Brewer, who is responsible for Atlanta’s Glenwood Park; and Scottie Green, who has used bicycles to energize Atlanta’s congested Buckhead area through his role as executive director of the Buckhead Community Improvement District.
“Riding his bicycles through the cities of the world… David Byrne is out front among the voices from diverse worlds who are seeing connections between how we build neighborhoods, how we get around and how well we live,” says John Norquist, CNU President and CEO.
A continued interest in modern life and its inner workings is no surprise coming from the man who penned “(Nothing But) Flowers” and “Found a Job.” Byrne has announced no plans to give further talks on urbanism and growth, but there are other ways to get your Byrne fix, like downloading his new song with Fatboy Slim and Santigold.

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