The New York University Tandon School of Engineering has created the Institute of Design and Construction (IDC) Innovations Hub.
The IDC Innovations Hub is chaired by Dr. Michael Horodniceanu, PE, an internationally prominent transportation and construction executive, who is a Professor within the Department of Urban and Civil Engineering.
An industry-supported, membership-based entity, the newly endowed center will promote innovation in construction, engineering design, and management.
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 IDC Innovations Hub aims to play a long-term, instrumental role in helping industry leaders create vibrant and sustainable communities where people want to live and work – while grooming a new generation of engineers to take on emerging challenges facing the construction industry.
“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,” said Dr. Horodniceanu.
“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 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 Jelena Kovačević, Dean, NYU Tandon School of Engineering.
“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.”
Dr. Horodniceanu’s academic credentials include teaching positions at NYU Tandon and Manhattan College. He also served as Chairman and CEO of the former Urbitran Group, and is Principal of Urban Advisory Group
His widely recognized public sector experience includes service as Commissioner of New York City’s Bureau of Traffic from 1986 to 1990, and president of New York’s MTA Capital Construction from 2008 to 2017.
