Architects, landscape architects and urban planners design at the level of the building or plaza. They rarely can get down to the scale of the pedestrian. With advances in technology, it is now possible to permanently design elements into public spaces that can engage the public to interact with one another and their surroundings. Using light and sound, these elements bring life to public spaces in new and unique ways. This discussion will explore the innovative ways that technology is being used to enliven the public square.

The panel will feature artist, architect and composer Christopher Janney; Scott Fisher, chair of the Interactive Media Division of the USC School of Cinematic Arts; Anne Bray, director of L.A. Freewaves; Ted Tanner, AEG Real Estate executive vice president and L.A. Live executive committee member; and Robert Kraft, composer and CEO of Fox Music Inc. It will be moderated by the USC Annenberg School’s Martin Kaplan, director of the Norman Lear Center.

This discussion will be presented as part of the opening events for the installation of Janney’s Sonic Forest, on display at USC October 12-15. The discussion will immediately follow an opening performance held within the installation featuring Stan Strickland on electronic flute and the percussion section of the Trojan Marching Band.

Organized by Scott Fisher (Cinematic Arts), Martin Kaplan (Communication) and Patrick Morganelli (Music)