As the year comes to a close, KPF highlights the firm’s accomplishments of 2020, from project milestones and awards to events and new partnerships.
Despite the many difficulties we all faced in 2020, KPF was fortunate to seamlessly continue its practice, with staff, associates, and clients, quickly embracing remote design and collaboration tools.
The year saw the design, construction, and completion of significant projects around the world, with the groundbreaking of the state-of-the-art research campus for HKUST(GZ) at the start of the year; the completion of transit-connected One Vanderbilt in Midtown Manhattan this fall, signaling the strength and resilience of the city’s spirit; and the unveiling of the pedestrian-scaled global headquarters for T. Rowe Price just a few weeks ago.
Events typically held in person took place virtually, including online panels and guest lectures, a monthlong Pride celebration, and the introduction of weekly Town Hall Meetings via Zoom – not to mention the occasional team Happy Hour.
Advancing causes important to the firm, including sustainability, inclusivity, and racial justice, KPF partnered with the World Wildlife Fund to reduce its climate impact, collaborated with Neighborhoods Now to revitalize neighborhoods impacted by the pandemic, and launched KPF Public to advocate for racial equity in architecture.
The firm’s projects were honored with awards for design and sustainability, and music artists The Weeknd and J-Lo chose Edge at 30 Hudson Yards as the stage for their highest-profile performances of the year, with New York City as the backdrop.
Reflecting on the year, KPF would like to express gratitude to the many courageous healthcare professionals and essential workers around the world for their continued sacrifice to keep us safe. The firm also extends thanks to all of its staff for making this a positive and meaningful year.
We look forward to 2021, with more exciting milestones on the horizon.