Perkins&Will announces 2023 Phil Freelon Design Competition winners

A design challenge surrounding equity and public transit systems in New York City has been announced after Perkins&Will selected its winners of this year’s Phil Freelon Design Competition.

The firm shares: “Now in its 19th year, the competition invites multidisciplinary teams throughout the firm to develop innovative design solutions to some of society’s most pressing problems. Evaluated by an external jury of renowned architects, civic leaders, and transportation experts, the proposals represent the power of design thinking to make the world a more equitable and beautiful place.”

The 2023 edition tasked designers with creating a new Brooklyn College stop for the forthcoming Interborough Express (IBX) light rail system that can be adapted throughout the proposed 14-mile system. Jurors, including SO – IL co-founder Jing Liu and WXY founding partner Claire Weisz picked from a field of 37 entries to select 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place winners, in addition to awarding three Honorable Mention Citations. Details for all six proposals can be viewed below.

1st PLACE - Green Link
Team members: Stephanie Matkaluk, Yann Tregoat, Megan Stenftenagel, Thomas Vanderkruk

Description: In “Green Link,” the rail line shares the right-of-way with a multimodal path and greenway. Stations act as social hubs, topped by multifunctional roof structures that generate energy, offer wayfinding, and provide adaptable spaces for the community." 

Juror comments from Masamichi Udagawa: "The difference in approach for this one was having nature in parallel with the track, as opposed to having it decked over the track. It felt like the most overall balanced proposal."

2nd PLACE  - All of this will be yours
Team members: Gaia Cella, Anish Reddy, Camilla Wisborg, Diana Chang

Description: All of this will be yours” imagines the transit station metaphorically as a forest, providing a calming and immersive experience in nature for transit riders and members of the community. It also improves air quality, reduces stormwater runoff, and supports biodiversity. The only visible built component is a minimal wooden structure that rests lightly on the land.

Juror comments from Robert Freudenberg: “Bringing nature back into the built environment is important for health and climate benefits. I think this was wildly imaginative and really inspirational. Getting a piece of something like this on the IBX line would be doing our city a service.”

3rd PLACE -  AGORA
Team members: David Salinas, Wendy López, Yaressi Trevino

Description: "AGORA” draws inspiration from ancient Greek agoras. Central public spaces for assemblies and markets. From this ancient precedent, the design team proposed a contemporary plaza that connects people, fosters diverse experiences and strengthens societal bonds.

Juror comments from Jing Liu: "What I appreciated the most about this proposal was the beauty of simplicity. They provided just the essentials to invite the evolving communities to define the activities under the roof.”

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Project title: Equity Crossing
Team members: Derek Shin, WenJie Zheng, Xianming Sang, Yiqi Song

Project title: Get Sidetracked       
Team members: Christine Gao and Dan Qin

Project title: Pak Lakansyel (Rainbow Park)     
Team members: Nina Feng, Stephen Conschafter, Aditi Subramanian     

View the full presentation boards of each project below in our image gallery.