Administered by the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU), the Charter Awards program rewards the best work of the new era of placemaking. Annually since 2001, CNU has convened a jury of the highest caliber to review submissions and select winning entries that best embody and advance the principles of the Charter of the New Urbanism.
University of Notre Dame graduates Jennifer Griffin (‘06, ‘11) and John Griffin (‘02, ‘11) received a 2013 Charter Award in the Neighborhood, District and Corridor category for their project submission From Cleanup to Community: Envisioning a Flourishing Gowanus Neighborhood. The project transforms a once derelict area into a healthy and vibrant community. Described as the “most beautiful project submitted out of all the projects reviewed” by juror Mike Lydon, the Gowanus Neighborhood Proposal illustrates a series of strategies and guidelines for future development that consider health, ecology, connectivity, safety, diversity, and preservation.
University of Notre Dame graduate students Sylvester Bartos, Jr. (‘13) and Christopher Whelan (‘13) along with undergraduate students Gabriella Stroik (‘13), Meeghan Miller (’12) and Brendan Hart (‘12) received a 2013 Charter Award Honorable Mention in the Neighborhood, Street & Corridor category for their project submission Connectivity & Continuity: Returning Philadelphia to its Waterfront.
As the preeminent global award for excellence in urban design, the CNU hopes the Charter Awards will set new benchmarks and establish new models for urbanism worldwide.