Equity and Infrastructure

November 17, 2015

Photo courtesy of the Center for Architecture

The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is tasked with providing every citizen in every borough with clean water and wastewater treatment. This is particularly challenging given the city's dense urban environment, growing population, and increased risks from climate change.

Speakers discussed how DEP uses good design to create facilities that meet the engineering challenges of water management while integrating into the urban fabric and giving back to the local communities. The panel specifically explored the role of design excellence in realizing these goals at the Croton Water Filtration Plant and the Newtown Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Panelists:
Emily Lloyd, Commissioner, NYC Department of Environmental Protection
Vincent Sapienza, PE, Deputy Commissioner, Bureau of Engineering, Design, and Construction, NYC Department of Environmental Protection
James Stewart Polshek, AIA, Founder, Polshek Partnership; Design Counsel, Ennead Architects; Member, Public Design Commission
Mark Husser, AIA, LEED, Managing Partner, Grimshaw Architects

Moderator:
Keri Butler, Deputy Director, Public Design Commission of the City of New York

Croton Water Filtration Plant

Newtown Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant