Building Dialogue is Historic Seattle’s monthly reading and discussion group. Engage in facilitated conversation about books on preservation and the built environment with others who share an interest — and perhaps some expertise — in the subject.

Our first book is The Death and Life of Great American Cities by Jane Jacobs. We plan to read the book in segments and will hold a virtual (via Zoom) facilitated discussion about each assigned section once a month, for five months. Drop in for one or join us for all – a commitment to participate in every discussion is not required to take part.

For this discussion, please read Part Four: Different Tactics, Chapters 17-22.

Discussion guidelines:

Please self-regulate as you would in an in-person discussion. Remember to be courteous and avoid interrupting when someone is speaking.

If it seems that multiple people want to contribute to the conversation, please raise your hand and we will attempt to call on you in order. Depending on the group size and timing, it may not be possible to get to everyone, every time.

Share the floor: if you have already had a chance to speak, please allow others the chance to contribute to the conversation.

Please avoid side conversations or tangents. The chat feature is a good tool for communicating to a specific person in the group directly or for making a comment to the group without interrupting.

Points of view and opinions will differ. Regardless, participants agree to be respectful and keep the discussion civil so that this can be a space for listening, learning, and exploration. As a safe space for all participants, racism, sexism, homophobic comments, discrimination, insults, etc. will not be tolerated.

Cost: Free!

Registration for this event has closed. Click here to watch the live-stream on our YouTube channel.