Brooklyn stood out in the 42nd Annual Awards for Excellence in Design held on Wednesday, which celebrated projects that enhanced public spaces through innovative design and architecture.
Hosted by the New York City Public Design Commission (PDC), five Brooklyn-based projects were recognized at the ceremony, according to a press release.
"When we invest in the beauty and functionality of our public spaces, we create environments where everyone feels welcome and valued,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “These projects embody our vision for a city where every neighborhood thrives."
The Borough Park Library was commended for its design that will allow the library to be a light-filled public civic space of learning, self-improvement and community gathering that has strong architectural connections to the street and adjacent public and children’s gardens. Inside the building, the ideas of connectivity are reinforced with transparent partition walls as well as an open egress stair that fosters active design and movement between floors.
Owls Head Combined Sewer Overflow Facility Headhouse and Open Space in Sunset Park was highlighted for its innovative approach to environmental preservation. The facility creatively integrates infrastructure with green space, contributing to the city's sustainability goals by reducing runoff and enhancing resilience against flooding.
The Upper and Lower Vale project in Prospect Park also earned a distinction for revitalizing a key section of one of New York’s most iconic green spaces. The renovation brings fresh recreational facilities to the park while preserving its historic features, an approach that has been praised for its balance between innovation and conservation.
The Shirley Chisholm Monument in Prospect Park, a tribute to the late Congresswoman and Brooklyn icon, also received recognition. Designed by Amanda Williams and Olalekan Jeyifous, the monument commemorates Chisholm’s pioneering role in politics and her legacy as a trailblazer for women and people of color.
An art project at the Eastern Parkway Library was also highlighted. Brooklyn-based artist Oasa DuVerney has proposed a series of eight portraits of influential authors from the African diaspora with ties to Brooklyn or New York City for the library. The portraits will be framed by a motif representing Black power waves, and features plant life symbolizing Black womanhood and migration history. The artworks will be created using glass using a combination of screen printing, digital ceramic printing, hand painting and airbrushing techniques. The pieces will be illuminated using LED panels approximately 48x60 inches.
“At PDC, we balance each project's unique constraints and opportunities while amplifying the voices of New Yorkers who help shape their communities,” said PDC Chair Marton. “Whether it's a carefully crafted handrail or a monumental skyscraper, good design shapes our shared story — reflecting our history, defining our present, and inspiring our future. Today’s award-winning projects showcase how design excellence emerges from collaboration between talented designers and dedicated public servants who work together to enhance our city’s built environment.”
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