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Pratt Presents Public Programs

Pratt Presents is a curated series of high-profile public programs and events that showcase the Institute’s expertise and reputation as a distinguished academic institution, as well as a cultural hub. Pratt Presents lectures, conversations, and performances feature distinguished artists, thinkers, and influencers.

Spike Lee during his spring 2014 appearance at Pratt

Transportation Equity and the Future of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway

A panel discussion featuring:

Henry Gutman, former Commissioner, Department of Transportation, and current Chair, Brooklyn Navy Yard
Tiffany-Ann Taylor, Vice President for Transportation, the Regional Plan Association; Visiting Associate Professor; and Pratt Alumna (MS, City and Regional Planning, ’14 )
Stephen Nessen, (moderator), reporter, WNYC News
Lena Afridi, Interim Director, Pratt Center for Community Development, will provide a brief introduction 

Monday, December 5, at 6:30 PM
Higgins Hall Auditorium
61 St. James Place
Free and open to the public; reservations required

The profound problems facing the deteriorating Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) are as urgent as any other challenges currently confronting the city. What conflicting concerns are preventing crucial policy development that could address this critical situation? And how does the crumbling infrastructure of the BQE encapsulate the issues inherent in creating an equitable system of transportation? Join us for a discussion exploring these and other pressing questions as we discuss the BQE,  the operational and political issues surrounding decision-making about the city’s infrastructure, and how these decisions can have dramatically different racial and socio-economic impacts.

Supported by Pratt PresentsThis event is part of Pratt Institute’s new Design Equity initiative, a provocative series of discussions and events dedicated to shaping a sustainable and just future in New York City (and beyond). As we move out of the pandemic and into a new chapter, how will civic and creative leaders effect positive change in arenas such as housing, climate resilience, education, and more. Design Equity will also highlight the ways in which Pratt’s faculty and alumni bring their creative education and community-first approach to spark change and create a more just and sustainable tomorrow.


Pratt Presents and Phaidon bring you
An Evening with Legendary Photographer Steven Klein Moderated by Dennis Freedman, Founding Creative Director, W magazine

Co-presented by Pratt’s School of Design and Pratt’s School of Art

Tuesday, Nov 1, 2022
6.30 PM
Higgins Hall Auditorium
61 St. James Place
Free and open to the public. Space is limited and reservations are required.

This special evening celebrates the publication of Steven Klein’s first and only monograph, published by Phaidon and edited by author Mark Holborn. Steven Klein is a showcase of the extravagant, hyperreal creations and singular vision that have made him one of the fashion world’s most influential photographers and most cunning provocateurs.

The book includes images originally published in magazines such as Interview, W, Vogue, Vogue Italia, Vogue Paris, Vogue Hommes, and i-D, among many others, and features iconic cultural figures including Madonna, Brad Pitt, Kim Kardashian, and Kanye West. Although his subjects comprise some of the most photographed people in the world, Klein has the ability to make them almost disappear into the narrative of his imagination. His images blur the line between fiction and reality, resulting in stunning tableaux that only exist within his fantastical worlds.

Klein will be in conversation about his life and career with Dennis Freedman, founding creative director of W magazine and former creative director of Barney’s.

Steven Klein has worked with notable clients including Balenciaga, Dolce & Gabbana, Tom Ford, Alexander McQueen, and Louis Vuitton. His work has also been exhibited at galleries and museums globally such as Deitch Projects, Gagosian, and the International Center of Photography, among others.

Dennis Freedman is a creative director and art director who has contributed to the visual and experiential iterations of fashion for four decades and counting. Based in New York, he was the founding creative director of W magazine and the creative director of Barneys New York. He now consults for design galleries and fashion brands including Maison Margiela and Christian Louboutin.


Pratt Design Symposium 2022: Designing for Sustainable Innovation

Wednesday, Nov 30, 2022
6:00 PM
Asia Society Museum
725 Park Avenue
Free and open to the public. Space is limited and reservations are required.

Symposium Panelists:
Al lanuzzi, Vice President, Sustainability, Estée Lauder Companies
Ron Gonen, CEO, Closed Loop Partners
Caroline Brown, Managing Director. Closed Loop Partners
Mitchell Gold, CEO of MGBW Home
Moderated by Marc Rosen, Cosmetics Packaging Designer and Pratt Institute Trustee Emeritus

Designers today must adapt their creations to a world that has become more environmentally volatile and geopolitically complex. Businesses are also recognizing that they must innovate in ways that prioritize sustainability to respond to consumers who now want to engage with companies that align with their own values. This year’s Design Symposium will discuss the ways in which companies across diverse arenas such as fashion, furnishings, cosmetics, and business, are designing for sustainable innovation. Panelists will share their insights on how they have leveraged the circular economy and other emerging trends to reimagine a more sustainable and ethical design practice—while still retaining impeccable and luxurious style in their products and services.

Supported by the Marc Rosen Education Fund.

Please note that masks are required in public spaces at this venue, but will not need to be worn in the auditorium.


Pratt strives to make all programs, services and activities accessible, and will provide assistance to accommodate any individuals with disabilities. Security personnel, located at booths at 200 Willoughby Avenue and other campus locations, are available for assistance. Additional accessibility resources are available at www.pratt.edu/accessibility