Architectural Cases

The DBEW Award 2026 is now accepting applications, marking a significant milestone in design education by promoting a collaborative approach between students and their mentors. This groundbreaking competition moves beyond traditional individual recognition, focusing on the synergy of intergenerational teamwork as a driving force for creative solutions. Participants, ranging from undergraduates to recent graduates, are required to submit projects developed in conjunction with an educator. The award aims to cultivate a new generation of designers who prioritize sustainable impact and embrace diverse perspectives, with a total prize fund of $25,000 and the invaluable opportunity to showcase their work at renowned international design exhibitions.

Co-organized by the esteemed ADI Design Museum, known for its prestigious Compasso d'Oro, and Kookmin University, a leading design institution in Asia, the DBEW Award operates under the guiding principle of 'Design Beyond East and West.' This vision seeks to reconcile Eastern and Western aesthetic and philosophical values within the realm of design. The award's core mission is to foster the evolution of design pedagogy, preparing the next wave of creative thinkers for a future increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. By emphasizing a balanced and globally informed perspective, it endeavors to unearth talents capable of crafting innovative and convergent solutions.

Kyung Ran Choi, the chair of the steering committee, highlights the award's innovative structure, which recognizes teaching and learning as integral components of design collaboration. She states that the DBEW Award is the first international platform to formally acknowledge individuals who demonstrate a commitment to creative exploration, environmental stewardship, cultural equilibrium, and inclusivity. Moreover, it provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the exemplary leadership of educators who facilitate these collaborative educational endeavors, underscoring the profound impact of mentorship on the development of emerging designers.

The evaluation process is overseen by an distinguished panel of nine international experts, led by Paola Antonelli, the Senior Curator of Architecture and Design and Director of R&D at MoMA. Antonelli, recognized by TIME magazine as a leading design visionary and recipient of the Compasso d'Oro, has consistently elevated design's role in cultural and social discourse through her curatorial work and research. Her dedication to leveraging design as a tool for systemic change perfectly aligns with the DBEW Award's objectives of fostering experimental, cross-generational partnerships for a more sustainable future.

The jury's assessment focuses on six key criteria: Originality, Interdisciplinary Innovation, Relevance in the AI Era, Aesthetic Excellence, Sustainability and Social Responsibility, and Clarity of Communication. Jurors like Byoung Soo Cho emphasize the critical importance of 'sustainable value and social responsibility,' extending this to encompass both environmental and socio-cultural dimensions. He also commends the award's focus on the 'creative educational process' as a foundational element for fostering sustainable design practices. Yongqi Lou adds that the true essence of design emerges from a holistic interaction of individual creativity, humanistic depth, and cultural context, noting that in an age of rapid AI advancements, prioritizing human values and communal synergy is more crucial than ever.

The DBEW Award journey culminates in two major design centers. The official awards ceremony is scheduled for April 21, 2026, at the ADI Design Museum during Milan Design Week, initiating a dialogue that will continue in Seoul later in October. A large-scale exhibition at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), coinciding with Seoul Design Week, will then showcase the winning projects. This dual-city event underscores the award's commitment to global outreach and its belief that collaborative design processes are the ultimate measure of impactful and sustainable innovation.

Studio Gang has recently completed the Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center, a remarkable 74,000-square-foot facility situated in East Flatbush, Brooklyn. This project, undertaken for the NYC Department of Design and Construction and NYC Parks & Recreation, aims for LEED Gold certification, establishing a new benchmark for sustainable civic architecture. The center, named in honor of the influential Brooklyn-born activist, educator, and the first African American woman elected to the U.S. Congress, serves as both a memorial and a vibrant hub for community engagement.

The Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center: A New Beacon in Brooklyn

In the vibrant East Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, a significant architectural achievement has emerged: the Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center. Conceived by the renowned Studio Gang, this 74,000-square-foot facility stands as a testament to innovative design and community-focused development. The center, officially opened to the public, is an initiative by the NYC Department of Design and Construction and NYC Parks & Recreation, envisioned as a multi-layered public space. Its core mission is to provide diverse opportunities for fitness, recreation, and learning, all housed within a striking, sculpted brick structure featuring prominent arched windows that seamlessly connect to a newly developed shaded plaza.

The naming of the center pays tribute to Shirley Chisholm, a visionary figure from Brooklyn who made history as an activist, educator, and the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress. The building’s transparent main entrance, strategically positioned between an adjacent public school and the recreational grounds, symbolically extends into the plaza, fostering an inviting and inclusive atmosphere.

The lower three levels of the center are primarily dedicated to active recreation. Upon entering, visitors are immediately greeted by the expansive, double-height competition-grade swimming pool and a well-equipped gymnasium. Above the main court, a walking track gracefully loops around the mezzanine, allowing for dynamic movement and observation. The American architects at Studio Gang have masterfully integrated a central staircase, designed to encourage interaction and a continuous flow of activity across different age groups. Furthermore, the strategic placement of openings between levels dissolves traditional separations, creating an interior environment that feels like a continuous expanse of activity rather than distinct, stacked facilities. Dance and fitness rooms are thoughtfully integrated alongside larger spaces, ensuring a harmonious blend of focused training and collective engagement.

A notable feature is the use of gently arching ‘fish-bellied’ mass timber beams over the pool hall. These beams not only introduce a sense of warmth to the often-humid environment but also exemplify structural efficiency and material durability. This choice of timber is a key component of a broader life-cycle assessment strategy that guided the selection of materials, aimed at minimizing the environmental impact associated with extraction, manufacturing, and transportation. The building further reinforces its commitment to sustainability through a high-performance envelope, advanced energy recovery systems, and all-electric heating and cooling solutions, all designed to significantly reduce operational carbon emissions.

Ascending to the upper level, the focus shifts towards community programming. Here, daylit rooms host a variety of afterschool activities and a media lab, honorably named after Dr. Roy A. Hastick, Sr., a respected East Flatbush business leader. These learning spaces extend onto a wrap-around rooftop terrace and gardens, providing valuable outdoor areas within the dense urban context. This meticulously designed roofscape, complemented by an expanded tree canopy and additional green roofs, not only strengthens the building’s environmental credentials but also offers serene zones for relaxation and social gathering.

Adding an artistic dimension to the architectural design, artworks by citizen artist vanessa german are thoughtfully integrated throughout the center. These pieces range from prominent freestanding sculptures to smaller works embedded within walls, cabinets, and individual lockers. Rather than mere decoration, these artworks are woven into the fabric of the building’s daily use, reinforcing the center’s dual role as both a cultural and an athletic space, enriching the overall experience for all who visit.

The opening of the Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center marks a significant milestone for Brooklyn. It exemplifies how thoughtful architecture and sustainable practices can converge to create a truly transformative civic space. This center is more than just a building; it is a vibrant community heart, offering invaluable resources and opportunities for residents of all ages. Its commitment to environmental responsibility, combined with its dedication to fostering community well-being, sets a powerful precedent for future urban developments.