The New York University Tandon School of Engineering in Brooklyn has created the Institute of Design and Construction (IDC) Innovations Hub, chaired by Dr. Michael Horodniceanu, the school says in a news release.
The center will promote “innovation in construction, engineering design, and management” as an industry-supported, membership-based entity. “Member firms will leverage the Innovation Hub’s resources to improve efficiency, control costs, and help identify innovative solutions that emphasize sustainability, fiscal responsibility, and safety, the statement said.
“It is such a thrill to be back at NYU Tandon to share my experience with colleagues and students that was gained in both the private and public sectors during a career that has spanned four decades,” Horodniceanu said in the statement. “I am incredibly excited to be given the opportunity to work with industry partners in building the IDC Innovations Hub with the goal of making a positive difference in the design and construction world.”
The university says its Innovations Hub will apply the research capabilities and hands-on industry experience of its faculty to help construction leaders overcome vexing issues that often trigger cost overruns and schedule delays.
Assisted by a team of PhD and Masters-level students, the center will:
- Help industry executives devise creative solutions to sensitive project design and construction issues. As a university-backed organization, the Innovations Hub’s problem-solving process will take place in a bias-free environment;
- Provide access to consultancy services from experienced and independent experts for specific projects;
- Sponsor in-depth informational seminars on topics ranging from organizational and leadership issues to best practices in the selection of materials and machinery;
- Support a range of training programs provided by academics and industry leaders;
- Promote networking opportunities among a wide spectrum of organizations spanning the construction sector, such as local, state, and federal government agencies; utilities, hospitals, airlines. manufacturers and developers; architecture, engineering and construction service providers; and labor organizations; and
- Serve as a national clearinghouse for sharing information on consulting and construction opportunities.
NYU Tandon is a leader in the academics of construction engineering and management,” said engineering dean Jelena Kovacevic. “With Michael Horodniceanu leading this new endeavor, we look to greatly enhance the synergies between academia and practical experience in the built environment, offering unique opportunities for our students and the sharing of newly gained knowledge with our member firms.”
Horodniceanu has more than 40 years of academic and industry of academic credentials include teaching positions at NYU Tandon (formerly Polytechnic University) and Manhattan College. He is principal of Urban Advisory Group, where he is a senior consultant to contractors, architecture and engineering firms, developers, and government agencies.
As the school semester proceeds, the IDC Innovations Hub will announce further details about its structure and operations, including members of its board of directors and advisory committee.
