Visualize a scenario set in Rochester, year 2020...
In the heart of New York, the city of Rochester is undergoing a remarkable transformation, as envisioned by the Imagine Rochester 2020 exhibit. This ambitious project, presented in the Max Lowenthal Hall lobby of the E. Philip Saunders College of Business in 2020, offers a glimpse into the city's future, focusing on revitalizing urban centers, enhancing health care, fostering a robust food economy, improving transportation, advancing energy solutions, promoting innovative businesses, integrating communication technologies, and supporting community projects.
The urban centers of Rochester are being reimagined as vibrant and inclusive spaces, attractive not just to young adults and empty nesters but also to families. Neighborhoods like NOTA (North of the Old Town Area) are being emphasized for their walkability and local amenities.
Health care in Rochester is set to expand beyond hospital walls, becoming a preventative, comprehensive, community-wide initiative. Art is being incorporated as a healing strategy within health care facilities to improve patient and staff well-being, with initiatives like the HeART of Healing at local health centers commissioning local artists to create soothing artworks that foster community connection and health.
The food economy in Rochester is expected to strengthen the regional economy and public health by emphasizing local food production, sustainable agriculture, and community food security. Urban consumers will have access to healthy foods by connecting with local farmers and food producers, such as Good Food Collective and Foodlink.
Transportation in Rochester is being prioritized for accessibility and sustainability, with the introduction of Human Centered Transport as a means of moving groups of people within an urban community to lessen traffic congestion. A Greener Skyline is also envisioned, with the increase of alternative energy such as wind turbines for both industrial and domestic use. High-Speed Rail is proposed as an update and revamp of the rail system for economical travel in and out of Rochester.
Businesses in Rochester are expected to thrive, with a focus on supporting innovation and entrepreneurship. One example of a business that may thrive is Paetec. Communication Technologies are expected to shift the alienation communication trend, bringing people face to face, potentially through smart infrastructure and digital platforms.
The exhibit encourages visitor participation, offering a Design it Yourself table for creating and installing pieces of Rochester's future. Gardens in the Sky are proposed as urban rooftops being transformed into sources of food and energy through rooftop gardens, rainwater collection facilities, and windmills. Pop-up Shops are suggested as venues for artists, food services, and entrepreneurs to set up temporary shops without financial constraints of location and overhead.
The revitalized urban life in Rochester is expected to have a significant impact on job creation, environmental health, and community values. As the city continues to evolve, it's clear that Rochester is poised for a bright future.
- Students in the revitalized urban centers of Rochester will find appealing spaces, making it an attractive place for learning and innovation.
- The future of Rochester's art scene looks promising, as art is being integrated into health care facilities and commissioned for community-focused initiatives.
- The Imagine Rochester 2020 exhibit emphasizes the importance of environmental-science, with proposals for urban rooftop gardens, wind turbines, and greener skyline.
- The city's food economy focuses on health and wellness, encourages local food production, and includes initiatives like the Good Food Collective and Foodlink for easy access to nutritious food.
- Finance and transportation sectors in Rochester are expected to grow with the introduction of Human Centered Transport, high-speed rail, and the focus on sustainable energy solutions, like wind turbines for domestic and industrial use.
