HERE

The purpose of the AIACC Awards for Urban Design, administered jointly with the California Chapters of the American Society of Landscape Architects (CCASLA), is to simply recognize distinguished achievements in the ever-expanding role of the architect in urban design, city planning, and community development. This award serves to identify projects and programs that involve public participation and contribute to the quality of the urban environment.

Urban Design is defined as the realm of physical design encompassing master planning and landscape plans to conceptual architectural design. This definition includes research and the design of spaces at all scales: from places between buildings to regional master plans. It looks at time from the conception and expression of an idea to the many phases of a master plan. On Jul. 23rd, a seasoned jury of 5 convened to comb over exemplary projects and choose the best of the best, and narrowed it down to three awards.

The jury panel included Brian Fletcher, ASLA – Callander Associates; Frank L. Fuller IV, FAIA – Urban Field Studio; Marco Esposito, CCASLA – SWA Group; Lisa Padilla, AIA, LEED AP – Cityworks Design; Maria Ogrydziak, AIA – Maria Ogrydziak, AIA Architect; Ben Feldmann, CCASLA – Mia Lehrer + Associates.

To view the gallery, click here.

2015 Merit for Urban Design:
Providence Saint John’s Phase 2 Master Plan, Perkins Eastman + Moore Ruble Yudell Architects & Planners
Jurors were impressed with the successful integration of this project within its neighborhood. “We’ve all been to hospitals that don’t integrate well with the city, but this one does a worthy job. They know what they are and what they are connected to. They understand their relationship to other parts of the city,” one juror commented. A more connected, more humane health facility was celebrated by the panel. The jury also noted how the structure had all these architecture moves but the moves weren’t yelling at you, which was refreshing.

Ocean Avenue South, Moore Ruble Yudell Architects + Koning Eizenberg Architecture

The jurors paid particular attention to how this program sits within its environment, especially because site such as this one can be “tricky.” The jury appreciated this structure’s strong sustainability argument and how it is not simply architecture, nor urban design, but both.

Los Angeles River Urban Agriculture Plan, Perkins + Will

This program was thought of as a “valiant effort,” by one juror. They unanimously thought this design incorporating urban agriculture could make a large difference in terms of place. This is a real idea that could logistically be implemented and beneficial to neighborhoods and communities. “I can see this one happening,” another juror commented. They also noted how thoughtfully presented this program was.

For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Shannon Calder at 916.642.1718.