On November 1st, 2017, the MIT Club of New York and the MIT Architecture Affinity Group (MITArchA) hosted its second Course IV Alumni Social event in New York City. The event was hosted by Elliot Felix M.Arch ’05 and Adam Griff M.Arch ’03 at brightspot strategy, located in Manhattan’s Financial District.
The evening was conceived as a social event with a presentation component. Attendees had the opportunity to give short, rapid-fire talks focused on their personal or professional work. Presentations covered a wide range of topics including: data-based mapping, architecture, responsive toy design, and landscape urbanism. Many talks focused on companies founded by MIT alumni, highlighting the Institute’s unique entrepreneurial spirit.
Six alumni gave presentations. Arlene Ducao SM ’13 presented the work of her company, Multimer, which aggregates data from biosensors to create a unique understanding cities and neighborhoods. Byron Stigge SMArchS ’01 showed recent projects with his company, which designs and implements sustainable infrastructure and development projects across the globe. Elizabeth Silver M.Arch ’03 presented the Lower Don Lands Master Plan, a masterplan for Toronto which will transform an underdeveloped industrial area and re-integrate the Don River into the city.
Jonathan Bobrow SM’16 showed Troxes, an origami-inspired interactive toy, and Blinks, a tabletop game platform based on electronic tiles programmed as cellular automata. Ben Hizak MBA ’15 presented his work with Cherre, which aggregates real-estate data from multiple sources to provides detailed insight into asset value and viability. Katherine Chia M.Arch ’91 presented the work of her company, Desai Chia Architecture, which creates refined designs with expressive materials and details.
This event was intended to help foster an active Course IV alumni community in the New York City area and increase engagement between local alumni and SA+P. MITArchA plans to hold many more events in the New York City area in collaboration with the Club of New York.