The Future of Housing and Urbanism

Why, in a nation facing a housing crisis, have we made it so difficult to build in the very cities where people want to live?

Welcome back to Architecture 5 10 20! I’m your host, Guy Geier, Managing Partner of FXCollaborative Architects in New York. My guests for this podcast are pioneers and visionaries shaping the future of the built environment across various disciplines. Join me in exploring their remarkable journeys, discovering how they reach their current heights, and envisioning what lies ahead in the next 5, 10, and 20 years.

Join me for the thirtieth episode of the show as I have an engaging discussion with Dan Kaplan, my business partner at FXCollaborative. Dan brings a truly unique perspective to every project, from individual buildings to large-scale urban planning, and I hope that you will join us for this episode as we tackle one of the most pressing issues facing our cities: the housing crisis.

Dan shares how his early influences, from his mother’s interior design career to his experience at Cornell, shaped his architectural philosophy, and we discuss the roots of the housing crisis and the economic, political, and regulatory factors that have brought us to this point. We also explore actionable strategies to address the problem, including rezoning efforts like the Bronx Metro North project and the City of Yes initiative.

Throughout the episode, we touch on urbanism, transit-oriented development, sustainability, and how these elements are all interconnected in creating neighborhoods full of life. Dan also shares some exciting insights into office-to-residential conversions - a hot topic in New York’s evolving urban landscape! Whether you are an architect, city planner, or just curious about city building, this episode offers valuable perspectives on how we can shape the future of our cities!

Time stamps:

[01:50] - Dan reveals how his early exposure to design and architecture led him to Cornell and shaped his career.

[04:34] - Dan’s work with Siris Coombs Architects and FXCollaborative focused on creative urban development.

[06:41] - Collaboration with clients and colleagues on significant projects across various sectors is important to Dan.

[09:02] - Dan’s practice integrates city building with broader urban and cultural considerations, creating vibrant neighborhoods.

[10:54] - The housing crisis, according to Dan, is a result of complex regulations and growing demand and needs long-term solutions.

[14:27] - Dan adds that widespread development is crucial for addressing the housing crisis.

[17:27] - The Bronx Metro North rezoning is a success story, bringing new stations and affordable housing to underserved communities.

[19:10] - Dan points out how denser development in Brooklyn promotes lower carbon lifestyles and how expanding transit networks is important for sustainability.

[20:39] - New York City’s affordable housing includes city-subsidized options and inclusionary models, helping to promote diversity and integration.

[23:10] - Dan believes that converting office spaces to housing could address shortages but that economic and regulatory challenges exist.

[25:42] - Dan points out how lower Manhattan is now vibrant with a mix of residential, civic, and tourist activities.

[26:51] - The East River’s waterfront will transform into a linear space rivaling Manhattan's, with new developments.

[29:20] - Dan expresses that it's a pleasure to see industry progress!

 

Links / Resources:

Guy Geier

Instagram | Twitter

Dan Kaplan
LinkedIn

Siris Coombs Architects

Architecture 5 10 20 - “Driving Creativity and Innovation Through Engineering and Technology”

The Ezra Klein Show