Celebrating Excellence in Transportation and Infrastructure Design Winners of 2026 Awards Announced

The AIANY Transportation and Infrastructure Committee recently revealed the winners of the 2026 AIANY + ASLANY Transportation + Infrastructure Design Excellence Awards. These awards honor outstanding design achievements in transportation and infrastructure architecture across the United States. Studio HIP received a Special Citation Award in Open Space for their work on the PS 306 Climate Adaptive Schoolyard in the South Bronx. This recognition highlights the growing importance of thoughtful, sustainable design in shaping our urban environments. Out of 57 total submissions, Our Climate Adaptive Schoolyard was one of only 10 selected projects to receive awards internationally.

Recognizing Impactful Design in Transportation and Infrastructure

The annual awards celebrate projects that demonstrate excellence in design, innovation, and community impact. Architects, landscape architects, and planners submit both built and unbuilt projects, showcasing creative solutions that improve how cities function and how people experience public spaces. The program also emphasizes sustainability, community engagement, and civic architecture, reflecting a commitment to creating infrastructure that serves people and the planet.

The PS 306 Climate Adaptive Schoolyard stands out as a prime example of this mission. Located in the South Bronx, an area often challenged by environmental and social issues, the project transforms a schoolyard into a resilient, green space that adapts to climate change. This approach not only enhances the learning environment but also provides a safe, healthy outdoor area for students and the community.

The Jury Behind the Awards

The awards jury consists of respected professionals with diverse expertise in architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, and transportation planning:

• Lee Altman, AIA, LEED AP, Principal at SCAPE Landscape Architecture DPC

• Cristina Ungureanu, AICP, Mobility Corridors at LA Metro

• Jennifer McConney-Gayoso, AIA, Principal at Studio Mc+G Studio Architecture Inc.

• Nicholas Pettinati, RLA, Deputy Director of Urban Design at NYC Department of Transportation

• Lisa Storer, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP BD+C, SITES AP, ENV SP, Senior Vice President of Architecture and Design

  
  

Collaboration Across Organizations

The awards are organized by the AIANY Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and ASLANY, in association with AIA Austin, ASLA Illinois, AIA Los Angeles, and AIA Miami. This collaboration brings together regional perspectives and expertise, enriching the awards program and broadening its reach. It also fosters a network of professionals dedicated to advancing transportation and infrastructure design nationwide.

Why These Awards Matter

Well-designed infrastructure shapes how we live, work, and move. It influences safety, accessibility, environmental health, and community well-being. By celebrating projects like the PS 306 Climate Adaptive Schoolyard, the awards highlight how design can address pressing challenges such as climate change, urban density, and social equity.

These projects serve as models for future developments, inspiring architects and planners to prioritize sustainability and community needs. The recognition also raises public awareness about the value of investing in thoughtful infrastructure that supports vibrant, resilient cities.

The 2026 AIANY + ASLANY Transportation + Infrastructure Design Excellence Awards showcase the best in design innovation and impact. Studio HIP’s Special Citation Award for the PS 306 Climate Adaptive Schoolyard is a reminder that even small urban spaces can make a big difference when designed with care and foresight.