2016 Better Philadelphia Challenge

Celebrating 10 years with $10,000 in prizes! In celebration of the 10th anniversary of this competition, we are doubling the size by opening it up to professionals and recent graduates for the first time. Twice the number of entrants, twice the prizes! College student and professional/recent graduate entries will be judged separately, with a $5,000 First Prize for each. Organize a team today!

The greater Mantua/Belmont neighborhood of Philadelphia was chosen as one of President Obama’s first “Promise Zones” for economic development – one of only five in the country. This neighborhood is bordered by some of Philadelphia’s largest institutions (the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, the Philadelphia Zoo, and Fairmount Park), as well as by large industrial sites (most notably the AMTRAK rail yards). As part of this neighborhood’s development, what physical design interventions could encourage healthy and active lifestyles, thereby improving public health among residents?