2027 Paul Gunther Prize for Inclusive Public Space
2027 Paul Gunther Prize for Inclusive Public Space supports designers and scholars pursuing research, design proposals, and policy recommendations to create, improve, or preserve inclusive NYC public spaces.
Funder: Architectural League of New York
Due Dates: December 16, 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET (Submission deadline)
Funding Amounts: $20,000 for one individual or team; project completed within one year
Summary: Supports research, design proposals, and policy recommendations to create, improve, or preserve inclusive public space in New York City.
Key Information: Applicants need qualifying degrees and at least five years of professional or academic experience.
Description
The Paul Gunther Prize for Inclusive Public Space is administered by the Architectural League of New York and supported by the Paul Gunther Fund. It supports independent designers and scholars pursuing research, design proposals, policy recommendations, or combinations of these approaches. Projects must address the creation, improvement, or preservation of inclusive public space in New York City, including outdoor sites such as parks, plazas, and monuments, or interior environments freely open to the public.
The prize honors Paul W. Gunther’s commitment to shared urban spaces. Its priorities include cross-disciplinary thinking, collaboration, pluralism, and inclusivity, recognizing that preservation and innovation can work together. Proposals may inform city design guidelines, policies, or approaches to caring for the public realm, while making places more accessible, welcoming, and meaningful across ages, races, ethnicities, genders, and abilities.
