Jeremy Siegel, Associate for Urban Design at Bjarke Ingels Group, discusses social infrastructure and the challenges of urban design in New York. He talks about the company's journey in adapting their design ethos to the American context and the process of bridging between European and American approaches. Siegel also highlights the importance of crisis moments in driving integrated and holistic thinking in urban design. He shares insights into the Big U project in Lower Manhattan, which aims to protect the area from flooding while creating better park space and urban amenities. Siegel emphasizes the need for integration and an entity for spatial planning to improve urban design.

Takeaways:
- Urban design in New York requires adapting design ethos to the American context and bridging between European and American approaches.
- Crisis moments, such as Hurricane Sandy, have driven integrated and holistic thinking in urban design.
- The Big U project in Lower Manhattan aims to protect the area from flooding while creating better park space and urban amenities.
- Integration and an entity for spatial planning are crucial for improving urban design.