About

David Brain studied architecture at the University of Cincinnati before an interest in urban issues led him to a BA in sociology at the University of California, Berkeley, and an M.A.and Ph.D. in sociology at Harvard University. He taught at Harvard and Indiana University before coming to New College of Florida in 1991. His research, publications and teaching have focused on the connections between place-making, community-building, and civic engagement, and on sociological issues related to the planning and design of good neighborhoods, humane cities, and resilient communities.

His background as an academic researcher oriented to working with community organizations has enabled him to explore the relationship between urban form and social connection, with a particular concern for the importance of public space as an essential component of good urbanism. As a result of his study of the New Urbanism and the charrette process over the last 20 years, he has come to the conclusion that the key to good urbanism lies the collaborative processes of placemaking.

He began studying the charrette process in 1998. He was invited to join the board and teaching faculty of the National Charrette Institute in 2005, and helped to develop the curriculum for the NCI certificate course. In that role, he provided training in charrette practice for architects, planners, public agencies, community leaders, and citizens for over ten years. He has been recognized internationally as an expert on contemporary efforts to transform the way cities are built, and as a frequent contributor to educational programs for citizens and professional practitioners.