Founded in 2006 in memory of Philadelphia’s iconic 20th-century city planner, Edmund N. Bacon [1910-2005], this annual program honors both professionals and students whose work epitomizes excellence in urban design.

Each year, a professional who has made significant contributions to the field of urban planning – through conviction of vision, effective communication, and commitment to improving their community – is selected to receive the Edmund N. Bacon Urban Design Award.

In addition, the winner of our student urban design competition is honored with the Edmund N. Bacon Student Urban Design Award. The student design competition attracts undergraduate and graduate students from around the globe and the competition focuses on an area or location in Philadelphia.

Students are challenged to present bold ideas that will improve the area, while prioritizing community needs as a core tenet of design excellence.