Categories: office-speakers

BIM, virtual reality (VR) and parametric design are already making big changes in the way we conceive, coordinate and manage multiple consultants’ work while developing these extraordinary structures. The introduction of these software platforms presents an exciting but understandably intimidating future. This workshop will help demystify some of the technologies and bring colleagues up to date on best practices for their deployment.

Technology has allowed us not only to go higher, but to incorporate more aspects of the cities we treasure into habitats at height. At the same time, the growth of cities is moving away from the single-core-and-radial-suburb model, to something more complex – the polycentric city. This calls for a new kind of response at both the urban and building scale. Projects presented here aim to nurture, support and accommodate this growing trend.

Rather than reinforcing stratification and hierarchical systems, the skyscraper needs to go beyond vertical dominance and explore spatial qualities that allow for greater social interaction and cohesion. Looking back at 20 years of exploration of alternative models for the skyscraper, this presentation examines four projects of the past (now realized) and four projects of the future (current state of planning and development), through four overarching topics relevant to tall buildings and the future of our cities.

Jeffery Blake  is a serial entrepreneur and business educator. For over two decades, he’s launched and led multiple tech-enabled startups and delivered superior returns for his shareholders through two M&A sales and an IPO. For the past 16 years, Jim has also held a faculty post at Michigan Ross, where he teaches the startup craft to MBAs and mentors student entrepreneurs.

Charles Obrien developed an unwavering passion for delivering extraordinary experiences that positively impact the lives of his team members, the goals of their customers, and the fabric of the community – a unique approach to business that has driven the company to success in its industry and as a top workplace. imageOne is simply the best at helping clients optimize and manage print, automate business process, and secure documents and is well-known as an exceptional company, receiving local and national recognition for its multi-award-winning culture.

Anthony Berry is a passionate advocate for positive workplace culture. In his broad career spanning the higher education, for-profit, not-for-profit, and foundation sectors, he has focused his energy on developing creative means to build community at work and practices that support an employee experience of deep respect, connection, joy, and
generative learning. As the Vice President for Staff Development and Culture at HopeLab, Chris guided the organization’s efforts to create an organizational culture that values learning and innovation.

John James is a Principal with the Steelcase Applied Research and Consulting team. He brings over 35 years of industry experience both in a design role and as a consultant. In his most current role, he has lead strategic consulting engagements and workplace strategy development with over forty clients. He uses his expertise to help clients link their business strategy with culture and spatial strategy.

Brian Watson leads the Center for Positive Organizations at the University of Michigan. The Center helps leaders build high-performing organizations that bring out the best in people through ground-breaking research, educational programs, and organizational partnerships.

At the Ross School of Business, White co-developed and teaches the MBA class on Social Intrapreneurship: creating positive change without authority. He also teaches in the Executive Education program on building positive organizations, and selling internally.