The Architectural League of New York to Award Michael R. Bloomberg with the 2016 President's Medal

On March 17, The Architectural League of New York announced that Michael R. Bloomberg will receive the 2016 President’s Medal, an award that recognizes excellence and innovation in architecture and its allied arts. The accolade is considered to be the highest honor given by The Architectural League, which is presented to individuals who encompass an extraordinary body of work in architecture, urbanism, art, or design. League President Billie Tsien will present the prestigious medal in April, at a dinner held in New York.

“We honor Michael Bloomberg for his long-term vision for New York and the world’s cities, and his continuing work to address local, national, and global issues. He supports the search for solutions and in doing so he touches our city, our country, and our world,” said Tsien.

Mr. Bloomberg made waves when he facilitated the completion of the site-specific public art installation "The Gates in Central Park". The completion of the project attracted local and international attention, with over 4 million New Yorkers and tourists visiting the instillation in Central Park. The economic impact of the project during it's exhibit was substantial, generating over $254 million, and increasing local businesses and cultural institutions by approximately 300%.

...since leaving office, Bloomberg has furthered his commitment to improving the quality of life in cities worldwide as the United Nations Special-Envoy for Cities and Climate Change, as well as through his foundation Bloomberg Philanthropies.

The former New York mayor is being recognized by the League for his impact on the city’s public realm, including improvements and additions to parks, streets, infrastructure, and public buildings. A recent press release from The Architectural League has stated that “…since leaving office, Bloomberg has furthered his commitment to improving the quality of life in cities worldwide as the United Nations Special-Envoy for Cities and Climate Change, as well as through his foundation Bloomberg Philanthropies”. Bloomberg’s initiative supports city governments to complete municipal projects that bring together private and public interests. The outcome will help city governments to realize municipal projects relating to public health, education, government innovation, the arts, and the environment.

Recent recipients of The Architectural League’s President’s Medal include Henry N. Cobb, Richard Serra, Renzo Piano, Amanda Burden, Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Hugh Hardy, Richard Meier, Ada Louise Huxtable, Robert A.M. Stern, Kenneth Frampton, Tod Williams and Billie Tsien, and Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown.