Background and objectives

Gerd Albers Award (GAA) was established in 1999 in honour of Professor Gerd Albers, a co-founder and past president of the Society, who placed a particular emphasis on the task of publishing as a means of elucidating both the current debate and practical achievements in the planning field. This reputable award is bestowed for the best publication (book, book chapter, journal article and/or published project report) of ISOCARP members.

Dunja Kovári-Binggeli and Thomas Kovári, 2023 GAA Winners for Best Book

Eligible entries

In 2023, a total of 8 GAA high academic standards entries (4 Books and 4 Papers) were submitted:

  1. 12 Règles pour un climat urbain agreable, by Dunja Kovári
  2. 12 Steps to a City of People, by Dunja Kovári and Thomas Kovári
  3. Capacity in motion: comparative COVID-19 governance in India and South Africa, by Tathagata Chatterji, Graeme Götz, Philip Harrison, Rob Moore & Souvanic Roy
  4. Comparing Waterfront land-use dynamics in Abu Dhabi and Dubai: A Quantitative Analysis and Correlation with the Developing Urban Environment, by Apostolos Kyriazis, Diana Abdul Naser Enab and Rama Taha Al Nuaimi
  5. Expanding the legal common good via sustainable urban mobility, by Carlos José Lopes Balsas
  6. Post-socialist discourse of urban megaproject development: From City on the Water to Belgrade Waterfront, by Ana Peric and Marija Maruna
  7. Service Delivery Process Framework: A Lifecycle Approach, by Praful Gharpure
  8. Sustainable urbanism: Riverfront Greenway planning from Tradition to Innovation, by Carlos José Lopes Balsas

Jury

The jury was formed by experienced practitioners and academics: Dr. Nasim Iranmanesh, Prof. Sebnem Hoskara, Dr. Ulrich Graute, and Prof. Ali A. Alraouf (Awards and Publications Director).

Award Winners

GAA 2023 – Best Book

12 Steps to a City of People, by Dunja Kovári and Thomas Kovári from sa_partners

This book unveils a transformative blueprint for urban planning and development. Based on a comprehensive approach to creating people-centric cities, this book provides a detailed roadmap for building urban spaces that prioritize the well-being and quality of life of their inhabitants. The book, authored by renowned experts and practitioners, showcases a series of twelve practical and insightful steps that guide cities toward becoming vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive communities. From reimagining public spaces to promoting sustainable transportation, these steps offer a holistic and actionable framework for urban transformation.

“12 Steps to a City of People” is a must-read for urban planners, policymakers, architects, and citizens interested in reshaping their cities to meet the needs of the people who call them home. It celebrates the idea that with the right strategies and collective efforts, cities can evolve into places where people thrive and enjoy a higher quality of life.

GAA 2023 – Best article 

Post-socialist discourse of urban megaproject development: From City on the Water to Belgrade Waterfront, by Ana Peric and Marija Maruna.

This thought-provoking piece of research delves into the evolution of urban megaprojects in post-socialist contexts, using the fascinating case study of the Belgrade Waterfront. Through a meticulous examination of the historical, political, and economic dimensions, the article uncovers the complex narratives and discourses that surround the transformation of urban landscapes. It explores the transition from the City on the Water concept to the ambitious Belgrade Waterfront project, shedding light on the various actors, power dynamics, and ideologies that shape these urban transformations.

This award-winning article offers valuable insights into the dynamics of urban development in a rapidly changing world, making it essential reading for urban planners, researchers, policymakers, and anyone interested in the intricate relationship between politics, economics, and the built environment.

Congratulations to the winners and a big thank you to all authors who submitted a book or a paper!

We look forward to successful GAA submissions the next year, too.