David Brownlee Wins Paul Philippe Cret Award

David Brownlee, Frances Shapiro-Weitzenhoffer Professor Emeritus of 19th-Century European Art in the Department of History of Art, has received the Paul Philippe Cret Award of the Philadelphia chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Named after the renowned 20th-century Philadelphia architect, teacher, and design leader, the Cret Award recognizes individuals or organizations who are not architects but who have made an outstanding and lasting contribution to the design of buildings, structures, landscapes, and the public realm of Greater Philadelphia.

Brownlee is a historian of modern architecture whose interests embrace a wide range of subjects in Europe and America, from the late 18th century to the present. He is the author of multiple books and has been recognized with three major publication prizes from the Society of Architectural Historians. He is a recipient of the Outstanding Teaching Award of the College Alumni Society and the University's Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching.

AIA Philadelphia states, “Philadelphia is enriched when non-architects see the benefit of design excellence and provide leadership and vision in the making of significant buildings and public environments. All current and future citizens of our community enjoy the rewards of such design excellence. The Cret award provides a permanent recognition for those leaders outside the design profession who have made such a contribution.”