VIDEO: ‘A Squandered Legacy’ by Richard Leonori at TEDxScranton
TED Talks, or conferences that follow the motto “ideas worth spreading,” have become a global phenomenon since the nonprofit organization began posting them online for free in 2006. With the introduction of TEDx, which supports independent organizers who want to create TED-like events in their own communities, it was only a matter of time before these intellectual and inspirational talks came to Scranton.
Organized by Jessica Meoni, TEDxScranton was held on Aug. 16 at the University of Scranton under the theme “Revitalize This!” and revolved around the concepts of urban renovation, new urbanism, eminent domain, artistic renaissance, and community building.
The talks are now posted online, so read more about this one below:
Description: Richard Leonori’s talk expresses the historic preservation of cities and how time and intent has generated urban sprawl.
Bio: Scranton native and resident Richard J. Leonori, AIA, graduated from Scranton Central High School and received Bachelor of Fine Arts and Architecture degrees from Cornell University. Through Cornell, he studied Italian Renaissance art and architecture in Florence, Italy and completed graduate work in historic preservation planning.
Mr. Leonori, a registered architect in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, enjoys professional practice as a partner in the firm of hemmler + camayd architects. Active in numerous projects, Mr. Leonori’s design and restoration work includes the Lackawanna County Children’s Library, St. Peter’s Cathedral, the Basilica of the National Shrine of St. Ann, and Lackawanna College. He helped found the Architectural Heritage Association, a nonprofit historic preservation organization. Mr. Leonori serves as a trustee of the Lackawanna Historical Society where he co-chairs the Building and Grounds Committee and is widely known for his walking tours of downtown Scranton and local churches. He has served as a consultant for the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission and as adjunct faculty at Marywood University. Other activities include the American Institute of Architects and the Scranton Historic Architecture Review Board.
Watch more TEDxScranton videos here.