Cooper Hewitt curator Matilda McQuaid moderates a panel discussion about the role tools play in large-scale projects. Panelists including Paul Ceruzzi of the National Air & Space Museum, William Goodrich of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and Chuck Hoberman, artist, engineer, and inventor of folding and transforming structures, provide insight into how we use powerful tools...

2013 National Design Award winner Margie Ruddick is recognized for her pioneering, environmental approach to urban landscape design, forging a design language that integrates ecology, urban planning, and culture. Ruddick fosters the idea of nature in the city through projects including New York's Queens Plaza, and Trenton Capital Park on the Delaware River. Ruddick's international...

Artist Shinique Smith has been commissioned by the MTA's Arts for Transit program to integrate her art-inspired design into architectural elements of the Mother Clara Hale Bus Depot. John Reddick will speak with Smith about how this project evolved, and how this public structure will incorporate contemporary innovations in building technology and art-related enhancement. The...

Janette Sadik-Khan is this year's National Design Award winner in the Design Patron category. Hear her speak about what design means to her. The National Design Awards were conceived by the Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum to honor lasting achievement in American design. The Awards are bestowed in recognition of excellence, innovation, and enhancement of...

Subway car interior I lived in New York for a few months in 1965, when people were afraid to stand on a station platform alone, or board a train without protection from friends, and there was a police officer in every car. What a contrast from this week, when I rode the Lexington Avenue Express...