Dorota Cichoń and Oliwia Jagła from the Faculty of Architecture at the Silesian University of Technology, won first prize in the student edition of the prestigious Edmund N. Bacon Design Awards 2026. This is an exceptional success - the young architects repeated last year's victory, again standing on the highest podium. This time, however, they worked as a two-person, completely independent team, without the support of an instructor. This year's edition of the competition has an anniversary dimension - it falls on the 20th anniversary of its establishment in memory of prominent urban planner Edmund N. Bacon. The gala ceremony will be held on March 11 in Philadelphia, where the students will present their project in person.
top view
© Dorota Cichoń, Oliwia Jagła
"Neighborhood Fabric" - the city as a living fabric
The winning concept, titled "Neighborhood Fabric," involves the revitalization of a former campus in Philadelphia with an area of about 100,000 sq. ft. The authors treated the area as a living, multi-layered system of relationships in which architecture, public space and residents form an inseparable whole.
The project was created in the spirit of the "Rebuild, Don't Raze" manifesto. Instead of demolition, superstructures and adaptations that respect the historic "DNA" of the site were proposed. The goal was to create a neighborhood that connects the past with the future - a space that is inclusive, active and accessible to different generations.
sections, projections
© Dorota Cichoń, Oliwia Jagła
Live, Play, Work, Connect
The urban strategy is based on four pillars: Live, Play, Work and Connect. Each addresses different needs of residents, creating an integrated urban ecosystem.
In the Live pillar, a variety of housing typologies have been designed, ranging from units for students to family housing to units for seniors integrated with educational facilities. This structure fosters intergenerational integration and local bonding.
Work revolves around an innovation and entrepreneurial space, including a cultural incubation center, a market pavilion and a community center located in a former alumni association building. Play, on the other hand, includes an expanded recreational zone with a central park, skatepark, sports facilities and wellness spaces.
master plan
© Dorota Cichoń, Oliwia Jagła
The Connect Pillar redefines mobility - the project makes use of the existing rail line, introducing an intermodal transportation hub and a distinctive Skybridge Connector that acts as a gateway to the district.
The Spine - the backbone of the new neighborhood
The most recognizable element of the project is "The Spine," a spectacular pedestrian bridge that crosses the campus. It is the main communication and social spine of the entire establishment. It connects previously scattered facilities, shortens distances and creates a new perspective for observing the city.
Under the footbridges and between the buildings, a Public Realm & Recreation zone was created - a space that does not "fall asleep" after dark. The authors designed here, among other things, amphitheater stairs, sports zones, animal enclosures and meeting places, activating previously dead parts of the urban fabric.
cross-section and visualizations
© Dorota Cichoń, Oliwia Jagła
The trip to the gala in Philadelphia is not only a reward for Dorota Cichoń and Oliwia Jagła, but also a symbolic farewell to the university - this is their last competition as students before defending their master's thesis.The trip was partly financed thanks to the support of the Silesian University of Technology and the Department of Architecture, whose patronage made it possible to represent the university on the international stage. The success of the students shows that Polish urban planning thought can successfully compete at the world level - and for the second year in a row.
