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2018 Better Philadelphia Challenge: The Next Parkway

The 2018 Better Philadelphia Challenge, themed: The Next Parkway, has recently opened registration to all university-level students worldwide.

This year’s challenge seeks creative and open interpretations of what a new ‘Parkway’ could be in a dense and developed 21st century city and invites teams to share their grand vision for how Philadelphia’s existing natural and cultural resources could be better linked with their neighboring communities – both physically and in the minds of residents and visitors.

The first prize for 2018 is $5,000, to be awarded with prizes for the second and the third best project. One Honorable Mention will also be announced.

The organizers strongly encourage proposals from diverse teams which include individuals from a variety of fields: architecture, urban planning, design (industrial, graphic, etc.), landscape architecture, public health, economic development, environmental science, real estate law, business, or other fields which might bring innovative ideas to your proposal. Proposals from diverse teams have historically done best in this competition.

Three locations are provided for exploration this year: Broad Street in South Philadelphia, Lehigh Avenue in North Philadelphia, or Chester Avenue in West Philadelphia. Entrants may address one or all three locations, though it is most important to address how each connects with its local community, not their connections with each other.

Founded in 2006 in memory of Philadelphia’s iconic 20th century city planner, Ed Bacon [1910-2005], this annual competition challenges university-level students (undergraduate, graduate, and PhD students) from around the world to address real-world urban design issues in Philadelphia that have application not only to our city, but to urban centers around the globe.

The competition is organized by the Ed Bacon Memorial Committee of the Center for Architecture and Design.

2018 Better Philadelphia Challenge: The Next Parkway – Entry Fees

Registration in the competition is free. Each entry costs $25.