UNBOXING NEW YORK Living, zoning, developing, marketing, and building are some of the forces continuously shaping contemporary cities like New York. Through the lens of these commonplace topics, Eran Chen will examine the balance between pragmatism and utopia, and how these forces have defined the identity of his practice since its inception ten years ago.

ERAN CHEN is the founding principal of ODA. Since its start in 2007, ODA has quickly emerged as one of the most recognized firms of its generation, promptly establishing a reputation for delivering imaginative and mold-breaking designs. Seeking to reorder architectural priorities by putting people first, Chen’s designs challenge conventional perspectives of dwelling and over time, influence life in our cities. With extensive experience designing and building in New York, Chen’s buildings are uniquely positioned to trigger a discourse about living in urban environments. Eran Chen graduated with Honors from the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in 1996.

RESOURCES A selection of readings related to the lecture, see links below.

• Interview with Eran Chen of ODA New York, Design Boom

• 123 Melrose project

• New Drone Footage Released of Massive Housing Construction in Bushwick, Bklyner.com

• Eran Chen on a New Type of Neighborhood for Brooklyn, Architect Magazine

• Can We Get Development in Bushwick Right?, New York Magazine

• At Former Rheingold Site in Bushwick, a Battle Brews Over Affordable Housing and Gentrification, The Village Voice

• Mobilization of Bushwick Against Gentrification Began. Will We Be Able to Stay?, Bushwick Daily

• Bushwick Shafted on Affordable Units at Rheingold Brewery Site: Councilman, DNA Info