Keeping the Region Moving with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

Architects are involved in the structures and systems that hold the public’s daily routines together. From office space to transportation, the built environment influences the day people have. What really goes into managing these systems?

Welcome to the third season of Architecture 5 10 20! I’m your host, Guy Geier, Managing Partner of FXCollaborative Architects in New York. Guests from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences related to the built environment will come to share their thought leadership. Our conversations will start with understanding how they arrived at what they’re doing now. More importantly, we will focus on discussing their vision for the future, looking out 5, 10, and 20 years.

Today we are joined by Russell Kriegel, Chief Architect at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, who specializes in transportation and infrastructure, universal, sustainable and resilient design and design management. Russ tells us what being a public architect means to him, and how his work has responded to some of the region's most challenging moments, including 9/11 and Superstorm Sandy.

Listen as we discuss the management of innovation and future proofing for spaces essential to the public. Russ shares his insights into the Port Authority's ongoing projects, how the organization is working towards its mission to keep the region moving, and how this mission can be adapted to meet future needs. Each project has a special purpose for supporting society.

Russ is dedicated to creating transportation and infrastructure that prioritizes the user experience, accessibility, sustainability and resilience. It is inspiring to hear how the Port Authority has ingrained these values in its work, and how it will continue to do so in the face of future challenges. So many of us hold personal relationships with the Port Authority’s projects, and we will continue to learn firsthand how good design can impact the public experience.

Time stamps:
[01:17] - Russell Kriegel explains why he started working for the Port Authority.
[04:15] - Russell talks about forward thinking policies within the Port Authority.
[07:10] - Which innovations does Russell like lately?
[09:55] - Russell talks about the relationship between art and architecture.
[12:53] - How is the Port Authority mindful of diverse mobility and accessibility?
[14:38] - Russell recalls the resilience that was needed during disaster recovery. PART 1
[16:08] - Russell recalls the resilience that was needed during disaster recovery. PART 2
[17:50] - How has the Port Authority highlighted the built environment for NY/NJ commuters?
[19:21] - What are the opportunities for future proofing? PART 1
[22:05] - What are the opportunities for future proofing? PART 2
[24:29] - Thank you Russell for reminding us how good design impacts the public’s experience.

Links / Resources:
Guy Geier
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Russell Kriegel
LinkedIn