Who is the “public” in public space? How can public spaces become more sustainable? Do public spaces need to accommodate protest? Seattle Art Museum (SAM) will host a panel discussion on the future of public space, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Thursday, March 15, at Olympic Sculpture Park’s PACCAR Pavilion.

The panel will discuss the recent article “The Future of Public Space: Evolution and Revolution“, featured on the American Society of Landscape Architects’ blog The Dirt, and an international design ideas competition about public space launched by Seattle Center and AIA Seattle.

Panelists are Margaret O’Mara, historian with the Department of History, University of Washington; Julie Parrett, landscape architect; and Michael Seiwerath, executive director of Capitol Hill Housing Foundation and a Seattle Arts Commissioner. Marcie Sillman of KUOW 94.9 FM will moderate the panel.

The discussion is part of SAM’s Art and Environment series. The event is presented in close collaboration with AIA Seattle, Seattle Center, and the University of Washington College of Built Environments, and is sponsored by the Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs.

Light refreshments will be served. The event is free but registration is required. RSVP here.