Van Alen Institute, an organization dedicated to advancing innovation in architecture and urban design, has announced that Kai-Uwe Bergmann, Jessica Healy, and Hunter Tura have joined its Board of Trustees at the start of its 120th anniversary year.

With the addition of three new members, the Institute expands its Trustees to a group of 15 leaders with diverse expertise in the built environment, including practicing architects, artists, academics, developers, and representatives of the business community.

“Kai-Uwe, Jessica, and Hunter are highly accomplished professionals who bring to Van Alen Institute invaluable experience across the fields of architecture, planning, design, and business,” said Stephen Cassell, Chair of Van Alen’s Board of Trustees and Principal of Architecture Research Office.

“As we celebrate our 120th anniversary in 2014, our Board will help us build on the Institute’s long history, adapting to new environments as we investigate complex challenges facing cities and seek new opportunities to transform urban spaces through our design competitions, research, and public programs,” added David van der Leer, Executive Director.

Kai-Uwe Bergmann is a Partner at international architectural firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), where he heads up business development, engaging current projects in over 15 countries across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the United States. Bergmann, who also serves as BIG’s Head of Communications, is registered as an architect in the U.S., U.K., and Denmark, and was Project Manager of Central Asia’s first carbon-neutral master plan for Zira Island in Baku, Azerbaijan.