Award honors significant contributions to public architecture

Washington, D.C. – January 26, 2017 – Alan Greenberger, FAIA, former Philadelphia Deputy Mayor and Chairman of the City Planning Commission, has been selected to receive the 2017 Thomas Jefferson Award. The Thomas Jefferson Award recognizes excellence in architectural advocacy and achievement.  Greenberger will be honored at the AIA Conference on Architecture 2017 in Orlando.

Lured from his role as a principal at Philadelphia’s MGA Partners by former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, Greenberger quickly assumed a dual role as deputy mayor and chairman of the City Planning Commission. Responsible for the Department of Commerce as well as oversight of planning and 10 additional agencies, Greenberger spearheaded an audacious initiative to rewrite the city’s antiquated and convoluted zoning code and create Philadelphia2035, a comprehensive plan for the city’s renaissance. During his tenure, he also completed and approved plans for all 37 miles of the city’s waterfront and led Philadelphia to its greatest redevelopment and population influx since the mid-20th century.

When the Nutter administration reached its two-term limit, Greenberger left full-time public office. He now shares his knowledge and wealth of experience with the next generation of design professionals at Drexel University as a Fellow of the Lindy Institute for Urban Innovation and Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Department of Architecture Design & Urbanism, which he now heads. Greenberger remains active with the city he helped become a World Heritage City in 2015, serving as chairman of the Philadelphia Art Commission. An independent body, it is tasked with design oversight of all public facilities, signage, and artwork.

The jury for the 2017 Thomas Jefferson Award includes: Illya Azaroff, AIA, (Chair), +LAB architects; Hans Butzer, AIA, Butzer Architects and Urbanism; Damian Farrell, FAIA, Damian Farrell Design Group; Jared Edgar Mcknight, Assoc. AIA, Wallace Roberts & Todd, LLC and Lynn M. Perkins, AIA, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

About The American Institute of Architects

Founded in 1857, the American Institute of Architects consistently works to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through nearly 300 state and local chapters, the AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public wellbeing. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards. The AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as engaging civic and government leaders and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit www.aia.org.

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Matt Tinder
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