About the Urban Design Awards

The Greater Dallas Planning Council has presented over 40 design awards, with this year marking a 10-year tradition, since acquiring hosting the prestigious contest from the City of Dallas. Great efforts are made each year to recognize excellence in local urban planning and design.

Each fall, the GDPC accepts nominations in four categories: Dream Study Award, Built Project Award, Kessler Award and the Dunnigan Media Award. Each nomination is evaluated by an awards committee (made up of members and non-member professionals in their respective fields) and a lavish evening cocktail reception is produced for the public and members to congratulate the talented winning individuals and corporations. In 2013 the Urban Design Awards and Holiday Reception will be held on Wednesday, December 10, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at The Trammell & Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art.

Plans that exhibit a positive urban design vision qualify for the Dream Study Award; which consists of the following criteria, a project would:

• Illuminate an aspect of the practice of urban design
• Represent a significant achievement in the field of urban design
• Implement codes of other regulations
• Be an asset to the community
• If implemented, embody the criteria of the Built Award

Built Project Award is projects that have been completed within the last 5 years and contain significant urban design components. To qualify for a nomination and to win the Built Project Award, the criteria are:

• Contributes to the character, sense of place and fabric of the community
• Contributes to the streetscape
• Enhances the transition from public to private space
• Creates a successful public spaces and amenities

The Kessler Award is given to an individual or group that has made an ongoing contribution to urban design, and for pushing the state of the art forward in the region:

• Demonstrates extraordinary initiative and has set examples for others to emulate
• Exhibits sensitivity to the urban environment and has clearly contributed towards good design

Urban Design Award Photo Gallery - 2012 »
Urban Design Winners - 2012 »
Urban Design Winners - 2011 »
Urban Design Presentation PowerPoint - 2011 »
Urban Design Winners - 2010 »
Urban Design Award Photo Gallery - 2010 »
Urban Design Winners - 2009 »
Urban Design Winners & Presentation - 2008 »
Urban Design Winners – 2007 »
Urban Design Awards Presentation PowerPoint - 2007 »
Urban Design Winners – 2006 »
Urban Design Winners – 2005 »
Urban Design Winners - 2004 »