Designing Inclusive Growth: A Conversation Series
7:00–9:00 p.m.
Van Alen Institute
30 West 22nd Street, Manhattan
Free with registration
Designing Inclusive Growth is a monthly dialogue on the future of development in New York City. In intimate conversations with leading urbanists and thinkers, we’ll examine what’s propelling New York City’s growth and development, why some have benefited while others have been left behind, and ideas for supporting greater inclusion and shared prosperity through design. The series kicks off March 12, and conversations will continue on the second Tuesday of each month through June.
These events are eligible for AIA credit.
June 11 – Universal Design Meets Inclusive Growth
New York City is home to a staggeringly diverse population — elderly people, working families with young children, people living with physical and cognitive impairment, non-native English speakers. How well our environments serve this kaleidoscopic array of interests and needs will surely influence how inclusive our economy and society becomes in the future.
For the final discussion in our Designing Inclusive Growth series, we’ll explore the potential of universal design to help people of all abilities and at all stages of life live well. With our featured guests, we’ll rethink our collective view of what’s possible for people of different abilities and ages, examine how designers can incorporate universal design principles into their practice, and imagine a city that truly provides useability, safety, health, grace, and dignity for all people.
Moderated by Andy Sherman, Public Programs Coordinator, Van Alen Institute
Featured Guests
Matthias Hollwich, AIA, has established himself at the forefront of a new generation of groundbreaking international architects. Matthias believes the key to successful architecture lies in finding new and exciting ways to create dialogue and relationships between people and buildings. He was recently honored in Fast Company’s ranking of the world’s top 10 most innovative architects and in Business Insider’s list of top business visionaries. Matthias has spoken regularly at events such as TED and PICNIC and has taught architecture as a visiting Professor at the University of Pennsylvania. His work is regularly published in leading media outlets such as the New York Times, Wallpaper* and the Wall Street Journal and his second book on ‘New Aging’ was published by Penguin Books in 2016.
Beth Greenberg FAIA, Principal
Beth Greenberg has managed an extensive variety of high-profile projects in over 25 years at Dattner Architects. From educational spaces, health clinics, and community facilities, to large scale urban design and transportation projects, a multi-disciplinary background in foreign language and dance has influenced her capacity to bring clarity to multi-faceted design and regulatory processes. Her ability to translate complex sets of needs, contexts and requirements, and her innate understanding of how users move through a space, guide her approach to working across project sectors. Drawing upon the Vitruvian ideals of firmness, commodity and delight, she seeks to enable well-being and opportunity within the built environment.
Beth is actively involved in AIA’s New York chapter, having served on the board as secretary, chair of the Housing Committee, and as a member of the Oculus and Nominating committees. She received her Master of Architecture from the University of Colorado, and she holds a Bachelor of Science in French and Dance Education from the University of Wisconsin and Madison.
