It is rumored that there are a minimum of one million buildings and structures spread across the five boroughs of New York City (NYC).
The 2023 awards, evaluated across the span of 2021 and 2022, stand as a testament to the profound impact that our public spaces, landscapes, and civic structures can exert in enhancing the city's quality of life. This year's winners encompass a diverse array of projects, ranging from the versatile Haffen Park and Pool Complex in the Bronx to "Resonances," a pair of site-specific artworks gracing the interior of the Brownsville Library in Brooklyn.
Notable mentions also include the revitalized Osborn Plaza, also in Brooklyn, and the Gate of the Exonerated, a poignant tribute to the Central Park Five and all wrongfully convicted individuals. Together, these Design award recipients showcase the dynamic spirit and adaptability that define the current aesthetic of New York City.
The awarded projects exemplify values that champion the diverse lived experiences of all New Yorkers, transcending the boundaries of Manhattan to embrace communities across Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. New York City's rich diversity is celebrated through a wide spectrum of projects, encompassing renowned tourist destinations and cherished neighborhood pocket parks and plazas. These initiatives not only fulfill aesthetic aspirations but also cater to the multifaceted needs of our diverse population, as highlighted by Sreoshy Banerjee, Executive Director at PDC.
Our accolades are a tribute to the remarkable individuals who drive projects to fruition, benefitting all New Yorkers. Our conception of design extends beyond mere aesthetics; it encompasses the engagement of community voices, integration of their feedback, and alignment with our urban systems and climate requirements. Beauty, while important, is but the finishing touch. All our winning projects serve as exemplars of both functional excellence and excellence in the project development process. They underscore how design can optimally generate co-benefits, as articulated by Rebecca Macklis, Director of Urban Design and Strategy at PDC.
Sreoshy, a crucial figure in coordinating the efforts necessary for promoting the awards event, expressed gratitude to Maria Torres-Springer, NYC's deputy mayor for housing and economic development, for her steadfast support. Sreoshy then underscored the significance of public testimonies in the selection of awardees: "An essential aspect of these awards involves commissioners observing how communities have responded to these projects. You gain valuable insights from those working within neighborhoods rather than solely relying on experts in isolation."
