The document proposes the Gotham Innovation Greenhouse (G.I.G.), a blended physical-virtual think studio and open innovation space located in New York City at the intersection of the artistic, technology, and social sectors. The G.I.G. would convene creative people to develop ideas, tools, and practices that cross traditional boundaries and help shape future urban environments. It would support 6 integrative projects per year through funding and resources. An initial pop-up space would be followed by a larger facility with workspaces, meeting areas, and fabrication resources to fully support project development.

1. Carl Skelton cskelton@poly.edu
Norman Jacknis njacknis@cisco.com
Vin Cipolla VinCipolla@mas.org
the Gotham Innovation Greenhouse

2. Why Innovation?

3. What’s the G.I.G. idea?
A blended physical-virtual “think studio” for ideas and projects that
simply can’t happen within the separate worlds of the arts, technology,
public sector, or the marketplace… A way to work, sustain and
improve next-generation ideas, tools and practices. And a way to see
demonstrations, launches, open brainstorms, exhibitions,
performances.
A downtown out-front lab/studio/workshop, a meeting place, a party
of minds ~ a community for the most creative people in the
metropolitan area, located at the intersection of New York City’s
artistic, technology, and social sectors.

4. An open innovation space

5. Who will be invited to the G.I.G.?

6. The G.I.G. will help develop the New Soft City
Creation of knowledge,
Potential future ways and
services and things that
can occur in an urban qualities of life in urban areas like
region like New York. New York (or possible New New
Yorks) – inclusive, dynamic, rich
Helping to build a global and robust environments
network of innovators. for the long term.
Innovation itself:
tools, strategies,
frameworks, experiments.

7. What the G.I.G. is NOT?

9. The
G.I.G.
Team
• G.I.G. staff and leaders will convene,
host, provoke, enable, and
evangelize: we will raise the bar,
the ceiling, the roof, and awareness.
• G.I.G. will provide support for
project planning and team assembly,
to help round out and prepare project
teams for good chemistry and the
necessary third-party engagement for
reliable fulfillment of even
• the most ambitious proposals.
• G.I.G. will get the word out as projects come to fruition.

10. How G.I.G. Will Partner

11. • Founding Executive Team:
Carl Skelton, Brooklyn Experimental Media Center
Norman Jacknis, Cisco IBSG Public Sector
Vin Cipolla, Municipal Art Society of New York
• A core staff of 6-8
• Funding for 6 integrative projects/year
• Advisory board
to include representatives
G.I.G. operations
of partner organizations
and thought leaders

12. G.I.G. gets physical: Test Site
Phase 1
Short-term lease of storefront “Pop-Up” space
Low-cost and flexible rigging with the tools we think we’ll need first
Minimal customization of temporary space
Flexible and rapid-deployment technology
(to support a first round of 4-6 projects)
Convene local partners to identify long-term tech needs in the area
“Open Kitchen” design process for phase 2 facility

13. quiet work space, specialized workstations.
Phase 2.A
The Full Rig: Upstairs

14. The Full Rig: Street Level
storefront flex space ~ multimedia workshop/meeting hall, including
an “open wall” full-height HD TelePresence installation,
to provide blended-reality work space 24/7.
Phase 2.B

15. The Full rig: Downstairs
IT resources and fabrication shop for physical production not otherwise
available in the area.
Phase 2.C

16. Ready when you are !