On January 18, 2007, the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum will host a panel discussion as part of Taxi 07, the Design Trust program aiming to reinvent the NYC taxi and taxi system. This coming spring, Taxi 07 will mount an exhibit at the NY International Auto Show, demonstrating an improved taxi and taxi system. New York’s top design minds have been invited to contribute to the exhibit. This panel discussion, "Transforming an Icon," will explore how the designers approach their task of improving a globally recognized icon.

Panelists include:

• Sigi Moeslinger from Antenna Design;
• Dino Sanchez from Birsel + Seck;
• Davin Stowell, CEO of Smart Design;
• Claire Weisz, principal of Weisz + Yoes.

Deborah Marton, Executive Director of the Design Trust for Public Space, will moderate the discussion.

This panel discussion is the first in a series of Taxi 07 events that will heighten public awareness about the importance of the taxicab to the life of New York City. In recognition of the significance of the Taxi 07 program, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg has approved a proclamation designating "Taxi Week" from April 6-15, 2007.