Join us for our second summer walking tour of downtown Madison led by architect and chief design officer, Peter Tan, Emeritus (Strang).
We invite you to an engaging and reflective summer walking tour through downtown Madison, guided by regarded architect and urban visionary Peter Tan. This event will focus on the craft of placemaking—the thoughtful art and science of shaping public spaces that foster community, enhance well-being, and reflect the unique spirit of our city.
Together, we’ll explore a central question:
What makes a city truly livable, lovable, and lasting? Peter will begin with a 30-minute presentation to introduce the concept and importance of placemaking and provide examples and tools that help us consider how both the natural and built environment shape our experience of place. He’ll offer insight into the physical and social forces that influence how we live alongside one another. We will then stroll through notable parts of the university campus and State Street. Be ready to apply the insights from the presentation to discuss and explore how planning, design, and stewardship can cultivate spaces where people want to gather, grow, and invest. This is more than a tour; it’s an invitation to catch a renewed vision for flourishing in our city's landscape.
EVENT DETAILS:
Schedule for Two Presentations + Tours:
3:30 p.m. | First Presentation at Upper House
4:15 p.m. | First Tour Group
5:45 p.m. | Reception for Both Tour Groups at Upper House
6:15 p.m. | Second Presentation at Upper House
6:45 p.m. | Second Tour Group
8:15 p.m. | Tours Conclude
Consider Bringing:
👟Walking shoes—our tour will be approximately 2 miles total.
🐞Bug spray, sunscreen, hat, and/or other sun protection
💦Reusable water bottle (disposable water bottles will be available)
☔️Umbrella, poncho, rain boots, and/or other rain gear if the weather is questionable
Whether you're a longtime Madison resident or new to the city, this experience offers a fresh lens on the spaces we share and the people who shape them.
Peter Tan is an architect with over 37 years of experience designing commercial, civic, and urban projects. As the Chief Design Officer of Strang, an award-winning design firm, he played a major role in shaping the Madison region’s public realm for the past 3 decades. He is a graduate of the Urban Design Studio at Cornell University and has served on the Madison Urban Design Commission. Peter currently serves on the Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) Board and was recognized by Madison365 as one of Wisconsin’s Most Influential Asian American Leaders. He is passionate about creating meaningful public places where we all can thrive and be our best selves in community.
