Each Rudy Bruner Award cycle involves considerable discussion about urban development and design which is summarized with a “Lessons Learned” essay. The essay synthesizes observations and insights gleaned from the selection process including review of the submissions, Selection Committee deliberations, site visits and research, and development of the case studies.
The lessons learned from each award cycle reflect the perception of and responses to critical urban issues within the socioeconomic and political context of America each biennial. These essays are intended to provide critical reflection and insight into the complex process of creating excellent urban places, pique curiosity, and inspire further discussion and exploration. As a collection, they offer insight into the evolution of urban development in American cities.
CHANGING THE NARRATIVE–2019
Medalists in Memphis, Houston, Lynn (MA), New Orleans, and Sulphur Springs (TX) change the rules of standard practice, elevating and addressing long-term challenges faced by cities across America.
INVESTING IN URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE–2017
Leadership and investment in urban infrastructure strengthens communities, catalyzes development, and inspires civic pride in Bethlehem (PA), Boston, Chicago, New Orleans, and Los Angeles.
CHALLENGING CONVENTIONS–2015
Challenging the conventional and tackling big problems in novel ways in Baltimore, Olympia, (WA), Grand Rapids (MI), Greenville (SC), and Cleveland.
INSPIRING CHANGE–2013
Medalists in Chicago, Dallas, Louisville (KY), Providence (RI), and New York City achieve urban excellence at all scales with different types of projects, budgets, and approaches.
PARTNERING STRATEGIES FOR THE URBAN EDGE–2011
Successful partnerships overcome resistance to development and incorporate disparate points of view in Dallas, Brooklyn (NY), Chicago, Phoenix, and Santa Fe (NM).
URBAN TRANSFORMATION–2009
Development in Los Angeles, Charlottesville (VA), New York City, Chicago, and New Orleans champions new ideas and models that amplify beauty and vitality and address the needs of underserved communities.
BUILDING SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBORHOODS–2007
Initiatives in Pittsburgh, Boston, New York City, Milwaukee, Seattle, and Los Angeles reconnect and strengthen communities through sustainable design and environmental awareness and attract people back to downtown, reinforce public infrastructure, and stimulate investment.
REINVENTING DOWNTOWN–2005
Urban excellence emerges through processes that include the rethinking of neighborhood identities in Portland (OR), Silver Spring (MD), Oakland (CA), Paducah (KY), and Detroit.
CREATIVE COMMUNITY BUILDING–2003
Innovative ways of intervening in at-risk communities and new models for stabilization and revitalization strengthen communities in Los Angeles, New York City, Santa Monica (CA), and Providence (RI).
PLACEMAKING FOR CHANGE–2001
Art, natural environments, and preservation in urban development bring meaning and value to Philadelphia, New York City, Newark (NJ), Denver and Oakland (CA).
COMMITMENT TO PLACE: Urban Excellence & Community–1999
Communities across San Francisco, Portland (ME), Los Angeles, and Philadelphia are strengthened and empowered by working together to create and care for urban places.
VISIONS OF URBAN EXCELLENCE–1997
Medalists in New York City, Houston, Oakland (CA), Roanoke (VA), and Cleveland demonstrate that excellent urban places require a vision, a dream, and the invention of new concepts.
BUILDING COALITIONS FOR URBAN EXCELLENCE–1995
Creating urban excellence requires the participation of many entities and actors across Portland (OR), Milwaukee, Boston, New York City, and Saint Paul (MN).
REBUILDING COMMUNITIES: Re-creating Urban Excellence–1993
Five medalists in Boston, Newark (NJ), San Francisco, and Cincinnati carry out multifaceted approaches to rebuilding community.
CONNECTIONS: Creating Urban Excellence—1991
A commitment to empowerment, social justice, and meeting the needs of people in communities foster connections across New York City, Miami, Boston, and Portland (OR).
BREAKTHROUGHS: Recreating the American City—1989
The roles that people and communities, policies, and government play in shaping urban development are highlighted in New York City, Portland (OR), Boston, Lincoln (NE), Saticoy (CA), and Stowe (VT).
URBAN EXCELLENCE—1987
Medalists in Seattle, San Francisco, Kansas City (MO), New York City, and Philadelphia, promote principles and values that contribute to urban excellence.