CVU Philadelphia Presents “Future Cities Forum: Rethinking Cities Through Carbon”

Image credit: MVRDV

Under the theme “Rethinking Cities Through Carbon,” the 2026 Future Cities Forum convenes leading scholars and practitioners to examine how carbon-informed approaches are transforming urban development, architectural design, and decision-making across multiple scales. The program features a keynote lecture by Rutger Huiberts, New York Office Director at MVRDV, on the firm’s research and practice related to embodied carbon, followed by a multidisciplinary panel discussion exploring emerging strategies, challenges, and opportunities for advancing low-carbon, resilient, and regenerative urban futures.

Hosted by Thomas Jefferson University in partnership with the Council on Vertical Urbanism (CVU) Philadelphia Chapter, the forum concludes with a networking reception that fosters dialogue and collaboration among professionals, faculty, and students.

This event is free, but registration is required. RSVP now to secure your place!

6:15-6:30pm: Introduction and Welcoming Address

Peng Du, Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Sustainable Environments, Thomas Jefferson University

Barbara Klinkhammer, Dean, College of Architecture and Built Environment, Thomas Jefferson University

Matt Morettini, Chair, CVU Philadelphia Chapter / Senior Manager, Design and Construction, Hines

6:30-7:00pm: “Carbon Confessions: A Survey of Embodied Carbon in the Works of MVRDV”

Rutger Huiberts, New York Office Director, MVRDV

7:00pm-7:45pm: Panel Discussion

Moderator: Janine LaMarca, Senior Business Development Representative, TLC

Rutger Huiberts, New York Office Director, MVRDV

Scott Erdy, FAIA, Principal, Erdy McHenry Architecture

Matt Morettini, Senior Manager, Design and Construction, Hines

Dave Kaminski, Vice President and General Manager, Turner Construction Company

7:45-8:30pm: Networking Reception at the Architecture and Design Center (Sponsor: CVU Philadelphia Chapter)

New York Office Director, MVRDV

Director and Architect Rutger Huiberts leads MVRDV’s projects and acquisitions in North America. Huiberts started his architectural career at MVRDV in 2011–2013, gaining foundational knowledge of the office’s conceptual approaches and design philosophy. After 12 years gaining experience on projects around the globe at Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, he returned to MVRDV in 2025 to lead the firm’s New York office.

Huiberts brings a passion and curiosity for everything that architecture has to offer, in particular for computational and data-driven design, sustainability, and urban placemaking. Alongside the MVRDV team, he brings a fresh perspective to the North American urban context, grounded in an appreciation of local practices and ways of working while looking at them through a different lens. He plays a key role in several ongoing projects, including the winning proposal to redevelop Gansevoort Square in Manhattan with an apartment building that includes 55 percent affordable units, and the masterplan for Cleveland’s North Coast.

In addition to his work as MVRDV’s North America director, since 2022 Huiberts has also served as Co-chair of AIA New York’s Global Dialogues Committee, organising a number of lectures at the Center for Architecture in New York City.

“As an architect I am fascinated by the unique potential that lies hidden in each place, always bringing a global inspiration and technical know-how while working within local conditions to come to a uniquely suited solution.” – Rutger Huiberts

FAIA, Principal, Erdy McHenry Architecture

Scott’s work pursues a methodology in which form embodies purpose and a sense of place is revealed through the careful intersection of program, site, and culture. Since establishing Erdy McHenry Architecture with David McHenry, Scott’s design work has received numerous accolades from local and national press, as well as from his peers, including more than 52 state, local, and national awards. In 2016, the firm was named Firm of the Year by AIA Pennsylvania.

His design for St. Aloysius Church was recognized by ArchDaily as one of the Top 100 Architectural Projects in the United States and by WorldBuild365 as one of the Five Best Churches in the World. From the cover story of Architecture magazine featuring the Southern Poverty Law Center in Montgomery, Alabama, to the cover of Architectural Record highlighting the Cornell Teaching Dairy Barn in Ithaca, New York, Scott’s work has been recognized for embodying both cultural significance and utilitarian beauty.

Scott received his undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University and his master’s degree from Syracuse University, where he studied under prominent modernist Werner Seligmann. He currently teaches a Graduate Housing Studio at the University of Pennsylvania and lectures widely on his work.

Vice President and General Manager, Turner Construction Company

Dave is a hands-on leader who brings energy, inspiration, and vision to Turner’s Philadelphia business unit, ensuring that the Turner team provides its clients with superlative service. Committed to Turner’s goal of a diverse and inclusive industry, Dave seeks new opportunities to team with UBE partners on projects to advance the industry overall. In his role as general manager, Dave also has direct oversight of personnel, field operations, preconstruction services, purchasing, estimating, and accounting. A graduate of the University of Delaware with a degree in Civil Engineering, Dave joined Turner in 2008

as a field engineer. Dave progressed through a variety of field and office roles before being promoted to Business Development Manager. In 2020 Dave became a general manager of the Philadelphia business unit and was promoted to Vice President and General Manager in 2022. He regularly serves as a public speaker, panelist, and moderator for AEC industry-related events.

Senior Manager – Design and Construction, Hines

Matt Morettini is an accomplished real estate and construction professional with more than 20 years of experience delivering complex, high-profile projects across the commercial, residential, hospitality, healthcare, and institutional sectors. Currently with Hines, Matt brings extensive experience managing projects from preconstruction and planning through execution and closeout, with a focus on quality, schedule, budget, and collaboration. Throughout his career, he has contributed to some of the region’s most significant developments, including Jefferson Health’s Honickman Center, Philadelphia’s East Market development, FMC Tower at Cira Centre South, and major office-to-residential conversion work in Washington, D.C.

A graduate of Drexel University with a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering, Matt remains actively engaged with both the university and the broader real estate and construction community. He has served as an Adjunct Professor in Drexel’s College of Engineering and as a member of its Construction Management Advisory Board, bringing practical industry experience into the classroom and helping develop the next generation of construction professionals. Matt is also involved with the Philadelphia Chapter of the Council on Vertical Urbanism, where he collaborates with leaders across architecture, engineering, construction, and development to advance the built environment.

Senior Business Development Representative, TLC

As a Senior Business Development Representative and Client Relations Consultant, Janine La Marca has been an experienced member of the design and construction community for over 25 years. She has developed a trusted network of high-level professionals locally and nationally, and facilitates successful partnerships among facility owners and all in the AEC environment for the purpose of advancing the greater good. Therefore, it remains her passion to serve in markets that have a far-reaching ability to help others, particularly healthcare. Having founded Janine La Marca Consulting in 2025, she works as an extension of TLC Engineering, a MEP/FP/Technology firm with Mid-Atlantic offices that are 100% healthcare focused. In this role, Janine collaborates with the firm’s leadership to develop long-term strategic and capture plans while engaging in high-performing business development practices.

Janine is a Certified Professional Services Marketer through the SMPS and a past president of the Philadelphia chapter. Amongst countless professional organization roles, she helped establish CTBUH’s Philadelphia chapter and remains on the rebranded CVU board. In alignment with healthcare, she served as sponsorships co-chair for the AMFP Philadelphia chapter. In addition, Janine dedicated several years to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Golf Classic Committee, AMFP Annual Golf Outing, and has been selected as a volunteer for the Jefferson Health Lehigh Valley Classic, an annual PGA TOUR Champions 54-hole tournament plus Eagles & Friends Celebrity Pro-Am commencing today.