Using systems thinking to co-create a better world

One of our main contributions to our Cities4Forests network is the co-creation of opportunities for cities to “partner” with faraway forests in the tropics.

Partnering with the Lower East Side Business Improvement District, we brought community groups together to create a much-needed plan for bicycle parking, street furniture, pedestrian plazas and tree plantings.

A global community of practice exploring the use of sustainably-sourced wood to build city infrastructure, promote forest conservation, and enact climate change mitigation.

The bio-industrial armature we proposed for Brooklyn’s Gowanus Canal used 40 shipping containers holding bio-remediation wetland plants and soil to clean sewer overflow waste water.

Students at the Interlochen Arts Academy learn to design with forests while conserving their future.

What a waste, what an opportunity! A project to identify, reclaim, recycle and restore New York City’s abandoned bicycles.

This event brought prominent and diverse voices who are leading biodiversity conservation into a common space, connecting them to leaders in business, finance, government and the plural sector

Preserve a landmark, protect a rainforest, cultivate a global partnership. The Brooklyn Bridge Forest initiative will allow for one of New York City’s most important landmarks to be maintained sustainably in perpetuity.

Leading cities partner with forests to combat climate change, protect watersheds and biodiversity, and improve human well-being.

Parking garages that do nothing but store cars need to step up. We propose adding secure, staffed bike parking; solar-electric stations; a community roof garden; coffee; and more.

On the streets of NYC our great drinking water goes largely untapped. We aim to change that with drinking fountains that part of daily life.

A Gathering at the Exquisite Trough

A collaboration with the Peruvian National Council of Science, Technology and Innovation to improve the social and environmental outcomes of the wood products sector in Pucallpa.

Cities4Forests partnered with local municipal representatives, indigenous communities, architects and carpenters to exhibit the potential of eucalyptus wood to help cities like Quito restore their inner and nearby forests.

Local communities are on the front lines of conserving forests. Youth are the future of these communities. What kind of exciting, innovative and rewarding work would incentivize young people to stay in or return to forests?

This public plaza upgrades a space at the speedy and disorderly entrance to the Williamsburg Bridge, building on the Essex Crossing development.

Our proposal for the LES BID explores ways to help very small businesses exploit an under-used site along an increasingly busy stretch off Rivington Street.

Bowery Mission expands to serve Spanish Harlem. Pilot Projects hired to design ground floor community co-working space, help desk, and a professional services clinic.