On Wednesday, October 18th, SOM’s New York office partnered with Metropolis Magazine to host a Think Tank panel discussion. The event, titled, “Rapid Urbanization and the Need for Essential Innovation in NYC,” focused on the projected population growth of New York City to 9 million inhabitants by 2040. Questions included: how can we harness innovation and technology to keep up with this robust pace of growth, and, how can we make NYC more livable, resilient, and sustainable?
Six panelists representing different professional fields provided insight on the topic. The panelists were: David Gilford, Senior Director, Intersection; Karrie Jacobs, urban thinker, writer, and faculty member at the School of Visual Arts’ graduate program in Design Research, Writing, and Criticism; Constantine E. Kontokosta, Professor of Urban Informatics & Director, Urban Intelligence Lab, New York University’s Center for Urban Science and Progress; Colin Koop, Design Director, SOM; Raju Mann, Director of Land Use, New York City Council; and Clare Newman, Chief of Staff & Executive Vice President, Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation. Susan Szenasy, Director of Design Innovation for Metropolis Magazine, moderated the panel.
The panel discussion was broadcast through a livestream on Facebook.
Prior to the panel discussion, Koop and SOM Associates Daniel O’Shaugnessy and Jennifer Pehr led members from Metropolis and several guests on a tour of the office. Koop, O’Shaugnessy, and Pehr she light on current projects. To see the album of photos from the office tour and panel discussion, visit our Facebook page.