The Art Institute of Chicago, the Architecture & Design Society, Van Alen Institute’s International Council and the Chicago Architecture Biennial present a conversation between international architects and urban thinkers on the challenges and rewards of living in today’s metropolitan areas.

A diverse group of architects, planners, academics, and city officials will provide local and global perspectives on the past, present, and future of Chicago architecture and planning. Reflecting on the biggest challenges Chicago and the Midwest face in the coming years, they’ll exchange ideas on issues ranging from new typologies for vertical urban living to the future of suburbia.

Moderators: Zoë Ryan, Art Institute of Chicago; Kai-Uwe Bergmann, BIG; David van der Leer, Van Alen Institute

Speakers: Wiel Arets, IIT; MarySue Barrett, Metro Planning; Jay Berman, Pei Cobb Freed; Robert Bruegmann, architectural critic; Stephen Cassell, Architecture Research Office; Sarah Dunn, UrbanLab; Francine Houben, Mecanoo; Johanna Hurme, 5468796 Architecture; Hana Kassem, Kohn Pedersen and Fox; Brian Lee, Skidmore Owings and Merrill; Elaine Molinar, Snohetta; Kirsten Murray, Olson Kundig; Kim Herforth Nielsen, 3XN; Jeff Risom, Gehl Architects; Monica von Schmalensee, White Arkitekter; Bob Somol, University of Illinois at Chicago; Tomas Stokke, Haptic Architects; Carla Swickerath, Studio Libeskind; Trey Trahan, Trahan Architects; Amanda Williams, IIT, Andrew Zago, Zago Architecture