Susan Nigra Snyder is a lecturer in architecture and fine arts at the University of Pennsylvania, a partner at Company for the Civic Arts in Philadelphia and a member of the public art committee for the Redevelopment Authority of Philadelphia. Her research focuses on the effect commercial property in urban developments. Snyder says that sprawl development is not the city spreading out too far or the suburbs endlessly expanding -- people live in one area, work in another and shop in others. She sees the suburban development as a new type of city.

George Thomas is lecturer in historical preservation and urban studies at the University of Pennsylvania. He is the author of "Frank Furness: The Complete Works" and "William L. Price: From Arts and Crafts to Modern Design." He directs a consulting practice that has supervised the restoration of many of the region's landmarks, including 30th Street Station, Penn's College Hall and the Fisher Fine Arts Library. He has published widely on American architectural history and looks at sprawl through that same historical lens.