Shared Voices: The RISD Presidential Speaker Series
“Part of what inspires me about working at a world-class academic institution is being around others who are similarly energized by new ideas and expansive thinking,” said RISD President John Maeda. “In discussions with our academic leadership, I found that there was an interest in expansive thinkers to RISD to spark new conversations. With their help, we were able to select people who will not only bring fresh perspectives, but whose own work would benefit from an immersive campus experience and exposure to a RISD point of view.”
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Advocacy and Ethics
Susan Szenasy, President's Office, Rosanne Somerson, and Pradeep Sharma
A conversation about design advocacy and ethics with Susan Szenasy, editor-in-chief/publisher of Metropolis magazine, President Somerson, and Provost Sharma.
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Together, Building the Sustainable New Economy
Robin Chase, President's Office, Jennifer Prewitt-Freilino, and Andrew Law
A transportation entrepreneur, Chase is the founder of Zipcar, Buzzcar and Veniam Works. She will talk about how we can build a sustainable new economy through collaboration and sharing.
RISD Interim President Rosanne Somerson worked with faculty members to select Chase as the featured guest speaker for the 2014 series. This conversation is co-hosted by Associate Professor of Industrial Design Andrew Law and Assistant Professor of History, Philosophy + Social Sciences Jennifer Prewitt-Freilino.
Chase's presentation,"Together, Building the Sustainable New Economy," will focus on transitioning from the old industrial economy to the new "collaboration economy," which is changing how we work, how we build businesses, and how we use resources. She will explore the future of this economy, with companies partnering with individuals to deliver local, customized, specialized goods—and how, as we confront a challenging future, we build a path towards community and abundance. "RISD is a place where critical makers are inventing the future every day," notes RISD Interim President Rosanne Somerson.
"New tools and methods are enabling bold, inventive ways of working, and systems of production and distribution that reshape our relationship to the world and to 'ownership.' We are thrilled to welcome Robin Chase to campus, to learn more about her leadership role in creating a sustainable new economy, and to hear her thoughts on our emerging culture of cooperation and sharing."
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Common Knowledge
Hal Abelson, President's Office, Shona Kitchen, and Kevin Zucker
In the age of information, universities should be at the forefront of preserving and strengthening our information commons—the shared wellspring of ideas and innovation from which everyone may draw.
Faculty co-hosts: Shona Kitchen (Digital +Media) + Kevin Zucker (Painting)