The Van Alen Institute, an organization dedicated to advancing innovation in architecture and urban design, has announced the launch of an International Council of leading architects, planners and designers who will meet bi-annually to “identify and investigate issues facing cities internationally.” The thirteen firms chosen — who represent over 17 cities and 10 countries— include firms as renowned as Aedas, BIG, and Jan Gehl Architects. See all 13, after the break.

The participating firms are: Aedas (Hong Kong, London, Dubai, among others); Allied Works Architecture (Portland, NYC); BIG (NYC, Copenhagen, Beijing); Jan Gehl Architects (Copenhagen, San Francisco, NYC), joining fall 2014; LAVA (Berlin, Stuttgart, Sydney, among others); Olson Kundig Architects (Seattle); Pei Cobb Freed & Partners (NYC); Snohetta (NYC, Oslo); Studio Egret West (London); White Architecture (Malmö, London, Stockholm, among others); Windgardhs (Göteborg, Stockholm, Malmö); 3XN (Copenhagen); and 5468796 Architecture (Winnipeg).