NetherlandsNow is part of It Happened Here's Framing the Future series. Over the 2025 Fourth of July weekend, It Happened Here is celebrating the 400th anniversary of the founding of New York City with a day of programming devoted to each century of the city’s life. On the fifth and last day, we'll look at New York in the 21st century with the Framing the Future series of panels, which explores the multiple urban challenges and opportunities ahead.

Since the founding of New Amsterdam by the Dutch in 1624, New York City has been recognized as a global center for the exchange of cultures, resources, and ideas. Celebrating 400 years since its founding, this hybrid event focuses on the continuing contributions Dutch architects make to New York City, the United States, and the world at large. The event reflects on cultural differences and synergies between the USA and the Netherlands, and showcases how exchange of knowledge, innovation, and ideas can help us address the issues our built and natural environment faces today. Following two sessions of panel discussions, the program will conclude with a roundtable discussion.

Session 1 – Framing the Future: Dutch Architects in New York

Dutch architects currently practicing here will highlight their practices, discussing cultural differences and reflecting on relations between the Netherlands and the US.

Panelists:

Francine Houben, Hon. FAIA, Mecanoo

Winka Dubbeldam, Assoc. AIA, Archi-Tectonics

Rijk Rietveld, RA, Rietveld Architects

Florian Idenburg, Intl. Assoc. AIA, SO-IL

Session 2 – Design Innovations: A Panorama of Dutch Architecture Today

Through project showcases, panelists will highlight the ideas and philosophies of Dutch architects and engineers that propel innovation in addressing the built environment. Dutch architects are global leaders in developing innovative strategies for facing the urban challenges of the 21st century. A series of short presentations prepared by established as well as up-and-coming Dutch architecture and design firms will offer a panorama of where and how innovation is brought about in the built environment.

Panelists:

Ervert Klinkenberg, Founding Partner, BETA-Office

Jan Knikker, Partner, Director of Strategy, MVRDV

Stephan Prins, Partner, Powerhouse Company

Dikkie Scipio, Founding Partner, KAAN Architecten

Erikjan Vermeulen, Head of Architecture, Partner, CONCRETE

Frans van Vuure, UN Studio

Jos van Eldonk, Partner Architect, Common Affairs

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More Programs in This Series:

July 7, 2–3pm ET: It Happened Here: People First For Lower Manhattan

July 7, 3:30–4:30pm ET: It Happened Here: At the Water's Edge: Resiliency in Lower Manhattan