Architectural League of New York Establishes Paul Gunther Prize for Inclusive Public Space
The Architectural League of New York has launched the Paul Gunther Prize for Inclusive Public Space, an annual award providing $20,000 for ten years to individuals or teams. This prize honors Paul Gunther (1956–2022), a dedicated advocate for New York City's public realm. The award aims to support proposals focused on creating, improving, or preserving inclusive public spaces within New York City. Eligible spaces include both exterior sites like parks, plazas, and monuments, and interior environments that are freely accessible to the public. Grants can fund research, design proposals, policy recommendations, or a combination of these efforts. The initiative seeks to address the erosion of public realm vitality in the U.S. due to political polarization, the shift to digital discourse, and dwindling investments in civic architecture and urbanism. Gunther's legacy, marked by leadership roles in various New York-based nonprofit arts organizations, emphasized both innovation and preservation in urban spaces.