Georgetown Faculty Director Uwe Brandes Receives Glenn Brown Award for Advancing Architecture’s Role in Society
Washington, D.C. – Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies faculty director and urban planning expert, Uwe Brandes, was honored on Friday, November 15 with the Glenn Brown Award, an accolade bestowed by the Washington chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Washington Architectural Foundation. The award recognizes individuals who have raised public awareness of architecture’s benefits to society and have dedicated their work to enhancing the quality of life in Washington, D.C.
The Glenn Brown Award is named after the founder of the AIA’s Washington chapter. Brown was an architect and civic activist whose advocacy was the driving force in forming the Senate Park Commission and the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts. He facilitated the implementation of the 1902 McMillan Commission Plan, which restored Pierre L’Enfant’s vision for a National Mall and reorganized the city’s rail infrastructure with Union Station. The award seeks to honor those who carry on his legacy of impactful civic engagement in advancing excellence in architecture and urban design.
As professor of the practice and the faculty director of the Master’s in Urban & Regional Planning program and the university-wide Georgetown Global Cities Initiative, Brandes embodies the spirit of this award while personifying the University’s mission to support a Community in Diversity. In addition to his responsibilities at Georgetown University, Brandes serves as the chair of the D.C. Commission on Climate Change & Resiliency. With more than 30 years in urban planning, design and development, Brandes has led transformative projects in Washington, D.C., and major cities worldwide.
His work to establish the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative (AWI) revitalized one of the Chesapeake Bay’s most polluted rivers, established a model for socially inclusive and environmental sustainability, and set a new professional standard for participatory and collaborative city planning. The AWI has catalyzed tens of billions in public and private investments in neighborhoods that have historically been marginalized. In addition to re-engineering DC’s outdated sewer system, the AWI delivered iconic urban landmarks such as Yards Park, Nationals Ballpark, U.S. Department of Transportation Headquarters, Arena Stage, Canal Park, and the New Frederick Douglass Bridge.
“It is my absolute honor to receive this award. Glenn Brown’s legacy epitomizes a commitment to civic imagination and design excellence,” said Brandes. “City-building is by nature a deeply collaborative process, and I share this award with the hundreds of professionals and thousands of civic stakeholders with whom I have had the privilege to partner.”
As senior vice president for global initiatives at the Urban Land Institute (ULI), Brandes further established his commitment to sustainable urban development by launching ULI’s climate change program and authoring research publications, including The City in 2050: Creating Blueprints for Change and What’s Next? Real Estate in the New Economy. His influence has extended beyond the United States, as he has served as a citizen diplomat to Germany and India through the U.S. State Department and consulted on urban development initiatives in cities including New York, Beijing, Berlin, Buenos Aires, and Panama City.
Brandes’ academic and professional background reflects a lifelong dedication to improve urban life at the intersection of architecture, engineering, community development, and environmental stewardship. His expertise and commitment to inclusive development continue to inspire his students, colleagues, and the broader community.
This article was originally published by the Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies. Please follow the link to read the full story.