"Urbanized" special documentary screening

Explore and discuss the design of cities with CA’s special screening of “Urbanized”

Columbia didn’t magically transform from farmland into a planned community. Neither will this community — which has grown to a population approaching 100,000 in just 45 years — turn into a more bustling, vibrant area without great design and planning, and then implementation.

With that in mind, Columbia Association (CA) will be continuing its Community Building series with a special screening of “Urbanized,” a feature-length documentary by Gary Hustwit that “looks at the issues and strategies behind urban design and features some of the world’s foremost architects, planners, policymakers, builders and thinkers,” according to the film’s website.

The screening is part of CA’s Community Building Speakers’ Series, which hosts thought-provoking speakers and events on topics that stimulate residents to discuss, engage and build a sense of community here in Columbia.

“As redevelopment of Downtown Columbia moves from vision to reality, what better time to sponsor this new film that explores the design of cities?” says Jane Dembner, director of Community Building and Sustainability at CA.

“Urbanized” will be shown Tuesday, Sept. 18, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the East Columbia 50+ Center, located at the East Columbia library branch at 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia. The running time for “Urbanized” is 85 minutes. Following the screening, there will be a group discussion about the future of cities.

“The challenges of balancing housing, mobility, public space, civic engagement, economic development and environmental policy are fast becoming universal concerns,” reads the film’s website. “Yet much of the dialogue on these issues is disconnected from the public domain.”

Seating for the screening is limited — registration is desired, though not required. Register online at bit.ly/urbanizedfilm.