The Master Plan for the Central Delaware Receives Prestigious Award From the American Institute of Architects

PHILADELPHIA, PA--(Marketwire -03/05/12)- The Master Plan for the Central Delaware is a 2012 recipient of the American Institute of Architects' (AIA) Honor Award, the profession's highest recognition of work that demonstrates excellence in architecture and urban design. Selected from over 700 total submissions, 27 recipients from around the world will be honored at the AIA 2012 National Convention and Design Exposition in Washington, D.C. on May 18.

The American Institute of Architects has a long tradition of recognizing individuals and organizations for their exceptional achievements in support of the profession of architecture. The Institute Honor Awards for Regional and Urban Design highlight the renowned use of architecture in urban design, city planning, and community development and recognize projects that contribute to the quality of the urban environment. The Master Plan for the Central Delaware was one of eight awards distributed in the category of Regional and Urban Design.

This Honor Award acknowledges the vision and reality of the City of Philadelphia's plan for the future of the sweeping Delaware River waterfront. The plan strikes a strong balance between urban design and economic reality, proposing both public and private development to transform and regenerate six miles of waterfront. The plan focuses on implementing new parks, trails, and transit that will catalyze development. Projects will begin first at three priority sites: Spring Garden Street, Penn's Landing and Washington Avenue.

The AIA praised the master plan's goal of providing "a practical implementation strategy for the phasing and funding of public realm enhancements to the waterfront, including the locations of parks, a variety of waterfront trails, and connections to existing upland neighborhoods."

"The Master Plan for the Central Delaware is truly deserving of this honor," said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. "This plan lays out the necessary steps to transform Philadelphia's waterfront. Like many others, I am very excited to see new projects and development occur. I thank the AIA for this recognition."

The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation commissioned this plan which was prepared by an incredible team led by Cooper Robertson & Partners, urban designers; KieranTimberlake, architects; OLIN, landscape architects; and H&R&A, economic advisors. The Master Plan advanced the goals and objectives of an extensive civic engagement process led by PennPraxis to bring attention to the future of the Central Delaware River waterfront. Public forums and meetings continued throughout the master plan process, culminating in a public unveiling with over 500 community representatives and stakeholders in June of 2011 prior to the plan's adoption by DRWC.

"We at DRWC are delighted that the master plan is being recognized with this prestigious award, which advances our goal of regenerating the historic Delaware River waterfront as a distinctive and welcoming asset for public use and private investment," said Marilyn Jordan Taylor, Dean University of Pennsylvania School of Design and DRWC Planning Committee Chair. "The award commends not only the exceptional work of the master plan team, but also the commitment of the community members and numerous stakeholders whose participation has truly shaped this plan."

To view the final plan, please visit http://www.plancentraldelaware.com. The full list of master plan team members includes:

About The American Institute of ArchitectsFor over 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. Members adhere to a code of ethics and professional conduct to ensure the highest standards in professional practice. Embracing their responsibility to serve society, AIA members engage civic and government leaders and the public in helping find needed solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit http://www.aia.org.

About DRWC: The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC) is a nonprofit corporation organized in January 2009, exclusively for the benefit of the City of Philadelphia and its citizens. DRWC acts as the steward of the Delaware River waterfront to provide a benefit to all of the citizens and visitors of the City.

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The Master Plan for the Central Delaware Receives Prestigious Award From the American Institute of Architects