The new IDC Innovation Hub co-hosts the movers and shakers keeping the city’s infrastructure strong

On May 29 and 30 — in partnership with Syracuse University’s Infrastructure Institute, the New York City Department of Design and Construction’s Town + Gown program, New York Law School, and AREA Research — NYU Tandon’s Institute of Design & Construction (IDC) Innovation Hub hosted two days of panels and discussions that drew executives from such public entities as the NYC Office of Management and Budget, NYC Comptroller’s Office, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, NYC Department of Transportation and New York City Economic Development Corporation, as well as private firms like Deloitte Consulting, AECOM, and Cohen Brothers Realty. The group convened to explore ways in which to keep the city moving forward, strengthen its economy and built environment, and improve its resiliency.

Among the speakers at the event, dubbed Construction + Finance 2019, was Dr. Michael Horodniceanu, PE, a professor in NYU Tandon’s Department of Civil and Urban Engineering and the IDC Innovation Hub Chair.

Participating on a panel that addressed issues in traditional public infrastructure and building delivery, he advised having a solid definition of the project upfront, from day one. “If you make sure of that, you’ll gain a good understanding of process and cost, which will allow one to see the project through to completion much more efficiently,” he said. “Be careful with change orders, because they can add years of delay to a project; not to speak of cost.”

Horodniceanu knows a great deal about getting projects done: before arriving at Tandon he enjoyed a long tenure as President of the MTA Capital Construction Corporation. In that capacity he oversaw the completion of the first phase of the long-awaited Second Avenue Subway, the construction of the new South Ferry Station, the openings of the Fulton Center and the ambitious extension of the Number 7 line. In addition, he completed 75% of the East Side Access project that will bring Long Island Rail Road trains to Grand Central Terminal.

As founding head of the IDC Innovation Hub, he sees his mission as bringing together owners, designers, architects, contractors, civil engineers, academicians, and other stakeholders to advance the science of delivering building projects in ways that will be faster, more cost-efficient, and more sustainable.

With events like Construction + Finance 2019, he’s off to a stellar start.