FINISSAGE PANEL: CITIES IN TRANSFORMATION – SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
September 17 | 6 PM (Doors: 5.45 PM)
TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE
Join us for the finissage of Architecture of Connection and a panel discussion on the future of our cities.
Architect Dietmar Feichtinger and Molly Hare, Director of Interior Design at Rafael Viñoly Architects, will discuss the responsibilities of architecture beyond the boundaries of the building itself, from public space and infrastructure to landscape, climate, and the people who shape and inhabit our cities. Drawing on their respective practices, Feichtinger and Hare will explore how architecture can respond to the interconnected challenges facing the built environment, and how sustainability can be understood not only in terms of environmental performance, but also through architecture’s lasting value for people and place.
About the Event:
The evening will feature presentations by Feichtinger and Hare. A discussion moderated by Dr. Stephanie Buhmann, Head of Visual Arts, Architecture, and Design at the Austrian Cultural Forum New York, will frame the event. The program will conclude with an open Q&A session inviting audience participation. A reception will follow. Doors open at 5.45 PM
About the Exhibition:
Presented at the Austrian Cultural Forum New York, Architecture of Connection surveys Feichtinger’s practice across bridges, transportation infrastructure, and educational, cultural, and civic buildings, revealing architecture as a connective force between people, places, and disciplines. Combining precise engineering with poetic lightness, his work consistently prioritizes accessibility, orientation, and shared public space.
Cities in Transformation: Sustainable Buildings and Infrastructure
Dietmar Feichtinger – after graduating with honors from the Technical University of Graz in 1988 – moved to Paris in 1989. In 1994, he established Dietmar Feichtinger Architectes, a studio renowed for its diverse architectural portfolio and a methodology that underscores a deep commitment to both, environmental and societal considerations. The studio is widely recognized for its groundbreaking architectural designs, particularly in bridge construction. A defining achievement came in 1998 when they won the competition to design the Simone-de-Beauvoir footbridge over the Seine, located directly opposite the Bibliothèque Nationale de France. This stunning 304-meter bridge, featuring a remarkable 190-meter clear span, stands out among Paris’s 37 bridges not only for its technical innovation but also as the only one named in honor of a woman. It was inaugurated by Mayor Bertrand Delanoë on July 13, 2006. In 2002, the firm was commissioned to design the Jetty, a new architectural pathway connecting visitors to Mont Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This 1,841-meter-long structure, unveiled in July 2014, blends seamlessly into the landscape, allowing Mont Saint-Michel to regain its island character during high tides. Although Feichtinger does not consider himself solely a ‘bridge specialist,’ he has designed and overseen the construction of over 20 bridges and footbridges. Notable works include the Three Country Bridge over the Rhine between France and Germany and the Passerelle de la Paix in Lyon. In 2020, his studio completed the Maritime Walkway Aldilonda in Bastia. In addition to his award-winning architectural practice, Feichtinger has taught at several European universities and, in 2023, was appointed Professor at the Institute of Architecture and Design at the Technical University of Vienna. In 2024, he received the Honor Medal for Science, Research and Art, First Class, from the Federal State of Styria. In 2026, he was formally inducted as an Honorary Member of the Académie d’Architecture in France.
Molly Hare is the Director of Interior Design at Rafael Viñoly Architects, where she leads a growing interiors team. With a foundation in architecture and more than 12 years across hospitality, residential, commercial, and mixed-use sectors, she brings a holistic perspective that connects macro-scale planning with finely detailed interiors. Her career spans the United States, South America, Europe, and the Middle East, informed by a deep appreciation for cultural and contextual nuance.
At Rafael Viñoly Architects, Molly oversees interdisciplinary teams and works closely with clients and project partners from early feasibility through delivery, creating environments that are purposeful, human, and responsive to context. She also contributes to strategic growth and business development and is an active member of the NEWH New York Chapter. Molly holds a Master of Architecture from Pratt Institute and a Bachelor of Environmental Design from Texas A&M University.