Architecture Matters: From Vision to Reality  

In conjunction with Archtober, the Consulate General of Sweden, Architects Sweden, STHLMNYC, and the Swedish Institute are partnering with the American Institute of Architects New York (AIANY), along with other key stakeholders, to organize a delegation visit from Sweden and a public program under the theme Architecture Matters. 

Architecture is the art and technique of designing and building. The starting point, then, is addressing architecture as an art and design practice, exploring how architecture can affect and shape the human experience to improve our lives and drive meaningful change. 

Druing the event, we will look into built examples—“from vision to reality”—addressing how architecture can help to push boundaries and drive innovation forward. We will focus on wood, exploring the possibilities of the renewable material as a design asset. The panel will reflect on the relation between design and wellbeing and how "designing with wood” can play a vital role. What can a specific material offer in terms of design opportunities, sustainability performance, and the impact on the users, and our city? 

The public panel discussions bring together leading experts from Sweden and the U.S. to explore critical topics such as architecture, design, innovation, and sustainable urban development. We welcome you to network and join discussions on the pivotal role of architecture in cultivating our built environment and explore the possibilities of wood as a design asset in shaping the cities of tomorrow. 

Speakers:
Kristina Bornholm, Deputy CEO, Arkitektbolaget  
Sagi Golan, Deputy Director, Urban Design at NYC Department of City Planning 
Gizem Karagoz, Senior Project Manager, Green Economy at New York City Economic Development Corporation
Therese Kreisel, Head of Urban Planning, Skellefteå 
Oscar Lavelid, Urban Development Strategist, Stockholm 
Anna Rudels, Deputy Director General, the Swedish Institute 
David Saand, Regional Manager, Link Arkitektur                    
Sander Schuur, Founding Partner, STHLMNYC & The Pittsburgh Platform                                        
Stefan Sjöberg, Founding Director, Kjellander + Sjöberg               
Jessika Szyber, Business Development Manager, Stora Enso   
Brian Talbot, Associate Principal, DS+R                     
Erik Ullenhag, Consul General of Sweden               
Jerry van Eyck, Founder & Principal, !Melk 
Tove Dumon Wallsten, Producer, Arenas and International Programs at Architects Sweden
Guido Hartray, AIA, Founding Partner, Marvel

Moderator:
Jessica Becker, Wallenberg Senior Fellow, Nordic innovation House, USA