New York-based strategic agency DVDL is announced as the leading partner for Shift in its endeavour to a build a major landmark that will inspire future developments in a new sustainable era.
Founded by David van der Leer, DVDL works at the intersection of cultural analysis, human behavior and technologies. The firm partners with cities, museums, galleries, educational institutions, and non-profits to guide strategic planning, programming, identity development, and design strategy that help them reach their goals and create more meaningful visitor experiences.
Together with Shift, DVDL is supporting the strategic development and execution of an upcoming architecture competition. Leveraging the design expertise they have gained through collaborations with both world class architects and institutions, they will ensure the upcoming Shift Tower is not only a showcase of harmony between nature and sustainable innovation, but people-centric as well.
DVDL clients include The Guggenheim Museum in New York City and Bilbao, the Nieuwe Institute, the New Museum of Architecture and Design in Helsinki, the Martell Foundation, the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, The Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia, and Superblue among others. Recently, the agency developed a comprehensive activation plan for The Brooklyn Museum of Art, integrating fresh engagement methods and introducing experiences that attract broad audiences.
Don Ritzen, Founder and CEO of Shift:
I was amazed by the variety of projects that David and his team worked with. I'm convinced that their experience with designing museums, galleries but also retail and public spaces, is exactly what we need for Shift. Together, we will build one of a kind landmark thats needs exactly the type of out-of-the-box thinking DVDL proved.
David van der Leer, Founder and Principal of DVDL:
The Shift Landmark is the kind of disruptive idea that we need to change course on climate change. We’re hopeful this design competition will fuel the much-needed conversation around how to build radically more sustainable building and create a place with the power to ignite massive climate action. It’s very exciting to be able to join forces and bring this singular project to life for the good of the world.
About Shift
Shift is a social, steward-owned enterprise founded by entrepreneur Don Ritzen. Ritzen believes that behavioural change is one of the biggest challenges when it comes to climate change and that it is overlooked because of the controversy. That is why he set out to find an approach that could inspire millions.
Shift is one of only 80 Dutch companies to have passed the accreditation process of the Social Enterprise Code, which means impact comes first.
Before starting Shift, Ritzen co-founded Amsterdam-based accelerator Rockstart, which has offices in Bogota, Copenhagen and Amsterdam. Since its founding in 2010, Rockstart has invested in more than 350 early-stage startups, including many impact-oriented companies such as Peerby, Sympower and Hubs. Today, the Rockstart companies combined are worth EUR 1.7 billion.