Design for the New Normal

We can’t ignore the challenges we face on the ground. Hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, sea level rise, heat waves — what many call the “new normal” —  require a thoughtful, proactive response. Demands on natural resources, transportation systems, health services, and housing raise pressing needs regarding water, energy, communication, urban design, and quality of life. From sustainable agriculture to waterfront design, from migration to disaster preparedness and relief, what are the innovations that will help us thrive? What are the breakthroughs that address pressing needs, improve the human condition, or simply delight our senses? Within this track, we will shed light on the thinkers, doers, and designers leading the charge.