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The Future of Cities: Resilient Design and Equitable Communities
Date: February 23, 2022
Time: 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Location:
New York Institute of Technology’s School of Architecture and Design and the Consulate General of Denmark in New York partnered to host a virtual event addressing “The Future of Cities: Resilient Design and Equitable Communities.”
Issues regarding climate change and its effect on vulnerable communities, along with social and environmental justice, have been amplified during the pandemic. This discussion focused on inclusivity, diversity, equity and overall sustainability and wellbeing of our social and ecological environments, which need to be at the center of our educational and professional paths.
Renewed responsible and proactive collaborative and integrative efforts will re-think structures, strategies, prescriptions, and methodologies for planning and space making. Through more sustainable processes of transformation and adaptation, we can design a truly balanced and healthy future for ALL that fosters resiliency.
Welcome Remarks
Maria R. Perbellini, M.Arch.
Dean of The School of Architecture and Design
Moderator
Alessandro Melis, RIBA ARB AOU
IDC Foundation Endowed Chair, NYIT School of Architecture and Design
Director of the Cluster for Sustainable Cities in the UK
In 2019, Alessandro was appointed by the Italian Minister of Culture as the curator of the Italian Pavilion at the 17th International La Biennale of Architecture in Venice 2021, and in 2020 Ambassador of Italian Design on behalf of the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Previously, at the University of Auckland, he was the head of the technology area and director of postgraduate engagement at the School of Architecture and Planning. Between 2010-2013, he was the Director of Urban City Lab at the Institute of Architecture of the University of Applied Arts Vienna (Die Angewandte, Vienna) and visiting professor at the Foster Foundation, and in Germany (Anhalt University, Dessau).
In 1996, he founded Heliopolis 21, a multi-awarded architecture practice based in Italy, Germany, and the UK.
Speakers
Lykke Leonardsen
Head of Program for Resilient and Sustainable City Solutions, City of Copenhagen
Ms. Lykke Leonardsen has worked with urban development for the past 25 years in Copenhagen. This includes local regeneration projects, international urban policies and communication. Since 2008 she has worked for the Technical and Environmental Administration in charge of making Copenhagen more blue and green – in charge of water management and green infrastructure planning. It was as part of this work that the city’s Climate Change Adaptation plan was developed.
From 2014-2016, she was the Head of the Climate Unit, in charge of the Climate Change Adaptation program, and the city’s ambitious plan to be the first carbon neutral capital of the world before 2025. Since 2016, she has been Head of program for Resilient and Sustainable City Solutions. Ms. Leonardsen has a Master in Near Eastern Archaeology and Master of Public Policy.
Michael Ingui, AIA, NCARB
Certified Passive House Designer
Michael is a Partner with Ben Baxt at Baxt Ingui Architects – a highly collaborative architectural design firm with extensive experience in residential, institutional, and commercial projects. He joined the firm in 1994 and was named Partner in 2000. Under Michael’s direction, the firm became a leader in the US Passive House movement, and most of our team are Certified Passive House Designers.
Michael is active in the Passive House community, speaking at many national and international conferences including Passive House Institute’s 25th anniversary in Darmstadt, Germany. Michael and the team at Baxt Ingui have extended their collaborative efforts by opening their homes during construction to teach students, architects, tradespeople, homeowners, and developers to integrate better building techniques.
In 2019, Michael founded the Passive House Accelerator as an engine to increase awareness of Passive House and support the community of Passive House builders. PHA has created a community where Passive House builders can share ideas and best practices, increasing industry knowledge and improving outcomes for clients.
Closing Remarks
Berit Basse
Ambassador, Consul General of Denmark in New York
Ambassador Berit Basse has enjoyed an expansive diplomatic career that has taken her around the world—from Senegal and Munich to Singapore and Uganda.
From 2012 to 2016, Ambassador Basse served as Denmark’s Ambassador to Singapore and Brunei, successfully overseeing key commercial and diplomatic relationships between Denmark and the two States. She has also served as First Secretary at the Embassy of Denmark in Uganda and Consul General of Denmark in Munich, Germany.
Meanwhile, from 1992 to 1996, the Ambassador worked on several development projects for the United Nations Development Programme in Senegal. Immediately prior to her New York posting, Ambassador Basse also led the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ department in charge of client relations and global commercial opportunities.
Ambassador Basse assumed her role at the helm of Denmark In New York on September 1, 2020.