Pratt Institute has lined up a high-profile roster of thought-provoking public talks, courtesy of its signature Pratt Presents event series. The free public programs will engage industry leaders from a range of disciplines in discussions that underscore the significance of art, design, and architecture in contemporary society.

Pratt Institute Campus

“We are thrilled to host a diverse line-up of thought leaders this fall and look forward to the lively discussions that will follow,” said Pratt Institute President Thomas F. Schutte. “In particular, the speakers will challenge the audience to think differently about art and design, and how it impacts our lives in New York City and beyond.”

Here’s a look at what to expect this season.

Annabelle Selldorf

Pratt and Surface Magazine will co-present a conversation between two luminaries of the architecture world, the award-winning New York Times critic Michael Kimmelman and distinguished architect and Pratt alumna Annabelle Selldorf. The conversation will be moderated by Spencer Bailey, Executive Editor at Surface, and is part of Archtober, New York City’s month-long festival of architecture and design. The discussion will take place on Thursday, October 16, at 6:30 p.m. in the Higgins Hall Auditorium, Pratt Institute, 61 St. James Pl., Brooklyn.

Michael Boodro

Distinguished chefs Daniel Boulud and Lydia Shire will join famed hospitality designer Adam Tihany for a conversation moderated by Elle Décor Editor in Chief Michael Boodro about the relationship between design and dining. In today’s vibrant restaurant culture—which can focus as much on diners’ experience as the cuisine—this discussion considers how design has contributed to a food-obsessed world, how aesthetic considerations have promoted dining as an art form and what trends and innovations will shape eating in the future. The discussion will take place on Thursday, October 23, at 6:30 p.m. at the Memorial Hall Auditorium, Pratt Institute, 200 Willoughby Ave. between Classon Ave and Hall St., Brooklyn.

Fernando Botero

Pratt will celebrate renowned Colombian painter and sculptor Fernando Botero and the publication of his newest book, Bullfight (Glitterati Incorporated, 2014). The evening will include a reception and book signing with Botero as well as a discussion about the artist’s works and legacy with Pratt History of Art and Design faculty members Eva Díaz and Ágnes Berecz. The discussion will take place on Tuesday, October 28, at 6:30 p.m. in Room 213, Pratt Manhattan Campus, 144 W. 14th Street, Manhattan.

Mitchell J. Silver

Pratt alumnus and Commissioner of New York City’s Department of Parks & Recreation Mitchell J. Silver, appointed earlier this year by Mayor Bill de Blasio, will share his vision for the future of the City’s parks and public spaces. Commissioner Silver’s approach to urban planning has emphasized environment, economy and equity. In his position, he oversees more than 29,000 acres of parkland and 1,900 parks and playgrounds. The event is co-presented with Pratt’s Programs for Sustainable Planning and Development in The School of Architecture as part of its Democracy and Public Space series, and will take place on Wednesday, November 12, at 6:00 p.m. at the Higgins Hall Room 111, Pratt Institute, 61 St. James Pl., Brooklyn.

Project by Eduardo Palma

Pratt and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture will showcase an interactive bilingual mural installation by Pratt Graduate Communications Design student Eduardo Palma, followed by a panel discussion about the ways in which language and culture shape each other. The discussion will take place on December 15, at 6:30 p.m. at The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, 515 Malcolm X Blvd., Manhattan.

Reservations to attend the Pratt Presents programs are required and seating is limited. More details about upcoming Pratt Presents events and ticket reservations are available here.