Paul Gunther Prize for Inclusive Public Space 2027

The Architectural League of New York has issued its request for proposals for the 2027 Paul Gunther Prize for Inclusive Public Space. The prize is a single USD 20,000 grant to one individual or team for a project that creates, improves or preserves inclusive public space in New York City. Submissions close at 11:59 pm Eastern Time on Wednesday 16 December 2026.

The League defines inclusive public space as space that anyone can enter freely and where people of every age, gender, race, religion and ability can feel they belong. It argues that political polarisation, the move of public debate online and shrinking investment in civic architecture are putting that kind of space at risk. Eligible sites include parks, plazas and monuments as well as interiors, provided they are freely open to the public. The grant can fund research, a design proposal, policy recommendations or a mix of the three, and the work should be completed within one year.

The prize honours Paul W. Gunther (1956 to 2022), a preservationist and public realm advocate who led New York organisations including the Gracie Mansion Conservancy, the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art, The New York Historical and the Municipal Art Society. Backed by the Gunther Fund, it will be awarded every year for ten years.

Eligibility and application

Applicants can be individuals or independent, interdisciplinary teams of designers or scholars who hold an advanced degree from an accredited school and have five or more years of professional or academic experience. Designers include architects, landscape architects, urban designers and graphic designers; scholars hold master’s or doctoral degrees in fields such as architectural history, urban studies, gender, race or disability studies, public health, law or sustainability. A professional licence is not required, but winners must be authorised to receive payment in the United States.

The main application is one PDF of up to 60MB, with pages no larger than 11 x 14 inches, containing a 150 word executive summary, a proposal of up to 1,500 words (objective, site, research format, qualifications, team roles, a one-year schedule and a budget for the USD 20,000) and up to 20 pages of supporting material. Résumés of up to two pages per applicant and two letters of recommendation are sent as two separate PDFs. Funds cannot cover tuition; thesis or dissertation research is considered but is not a priority.

Jury and deliverable

The jury is chaired by Anne Rieselbach and includes Keller Easterling, Mario Gooden, Joel Sanders, Vicki Weiner and Mabel O. Wilson. One year after the award, the winner gives an in-person presentation and shares a written report on the completed project.