Design Advocacy Group of Philadelphia

Design Advocacy Group of Philadelphia DAG is an independent and informed public voice for design quality in the architecture and physical planning of the Philadelphia region.

As the name implies, advocating on behalf of a quality urban environment is fundamental to the mission of the Design Advocacy Group. Our goal is be proactive as well as reactive; effective as well as thoughtful; critical as well as constructive. We want to create an unparalleled voice for design, a group whose opinion on the quality of our environment is sought after and whose contribution makes a

difference. We are a group drawn from a broad spectrum of disciplines, comprised of motivated individuals who are routinely engaged in matters of design, development and planning and who are not afraid to speak out.

Our national celebrations have been a time to reflect on the republic’s creation, heritage, and ideals. The Black presen...
06/15/2026

Our national celebrations have been a time to reflect on the republic’s creation, heritage, and ideals. The Black presence contradicts the “storybook” idea of this nation’s founding as a “white republic.” As a result, African Americans’ founding-era contributions have been marginalized during the Centennial, Sesquicentennial, Bicentennial, and now the Semiquincentennial. The Philadelphia community has challenged this “storybook” conception of our nation’s founding. Becoming American: Philadelphia’s Story, a feature-length film about the founding era through the lens of Philadelphia’s African community, is one example of how the Semiquincentennial is being democratized. This talk will review this project and others in the city.

This event will be held at The Village of Industry and Art at 320 South Broad Street.

Registration is not required for in-person events, however it is helpful for our planning. Light refreshments will be served.

On August 12th, David Seltzer will join DAG for a presentation based on his book,Transit Tourism: The Iconic Art and Des...
06/11/2026

On August 12th, David Seltzer will join DAG for a presentation based on his book,Transit Tourism: The Iconic Art and Design of 22 Subways Around the World, released in 2025 by Schiffer Publishing. Transit Tourism consists of travel essays and images on the art, architecture and design of 22 subway systems located in 18 countries, giving an underground perspective on the unique character of each of these cities. The premise of the book is that the visual culture of each subway, metro, tube or u-bahn—its architecture, art installations, vehicles, map, logo, wayfinding, and even typeface—reflects the distinct personality of the city it serves.

Viewing these systems through the design lens of a “transit tourist,” one appreciates that subways are not just a means of transport—they are an indelible part of a city’s DNA, and to understand a city, you really need to understand its subway.

This event will be held at The Village of Industry and Art at 320 South Broad Street.

Registration is not required for in-person events, however it is helpful for our planning. Light refreshments will be served.

Leslie Richards, the former CEO and General Manager of SEPTA and PennDOT Secretary, recently launched the Transportation...
04/21/2026

Leslie Richards, the former CEO and General Manager of SEPTA and PennDOT Secretary, recently launched the Transportation Initiative at Penn (TRIP) a new program that brings together scholars, students, public agencies, and private partners to address today’s complex mobility challenges. TRIP’s mission is to turn academic research into actionable transportation solutions that improve transit efficiency, mobility access, and sustainability in Philadelphia, across Pennsylvania, and nationwide. Leslie will discuss lessons learned from the first year of TRIP, including ways to accelerate the adoption of innovative transportation technologies, the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to complex governance challenges, and ways to bridge the gaps between research and practice.

This event will be held at the new at 320 S. Broad Street.

Registration is not required for in-person events, however it is helpful for our planning. Light refreshments will be served.

To register for this event, CLICK THE LINK BELOW!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/driving-change-research-policy-and-practice-in-the-transportation-sector-tickets-1987917168765?utm_experiment=test_share_listing&aff=ebdsshios

Join DAG on May 13th as we welcome the team developing a new vision for The Avenue of the Arts. AveArts 2.0 aspires to t...
04/07/2026

Join DAG on May 13th as we welcome the team developing a new vision for The Avenue of the Arts.

AveArts 2.0 aspires to transform south Broad Street into a vibrant 10-block destination featuring lush greenery, art installations, performance spaces, and inviting seating areas. The project will unfold block by block over multiple years, reshaping the one-mile stretch from City Hall to Washington Avenue into a pedestrian-focused public realm where arts, culture, climate resilience, and daily city life intersect. When complete, the Avenue of the Arts is envisioned as one of the world’s grand cultural boulevards—an iconic destination that elevates Philadelphia’s global profile as a major arts city. As blocks are completed, the Avenue will evolve into a continuous, immersive cultural landscape — enhancing its appeal as one of Philadelphia’s most photographed locations and where arts, innovation, and civic life converge in a dynamic public space.

This event will be held at the new at 320 S. Broad Street.

Registration is not required for in-person events, however it is helpful for our planning. Light refreshments will be served.

To RSVP, click the link below.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/avearts-20-tickets-1986778897164?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=wsa&aff=ebdsshwebmobile

Join DAG and Cierra Freeman, Co-leader of Culture and Strategy for the Brewerytown Sharswood Neighborhood Coalition (BSN...
03/30/2026

Join DAG and Cierra Freeman, Co-leader of Culture and Strategy for the Brewerytown Sharswood Neighborhood Coalition (BSNC); Kate Goodman, a city worker and union member of AFSCME DC47 Local 2187, and Sophia Lee, Sustainability Strategist, Architect, and Community Advocate as they share the incredible history and value of Cecil B. Moore Library, a vital neighborhood resource. Not only is this Library a unique example of Mid-Century Modern Architecture, but it has also provided a gathering space for community activism, gathering, learning, and support.

This event will be held on Zoom.

RSVP at the link below!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-beating-heart-of-the-community-cecil-b-moore-library-tickets-1983959760049?utm_experiment=test_share_listing&aff=ebdsshios

As Philadelphia prepares for an unprecedented moment in 2026—welcoming the FIFA World Cup, America’s 250th anniversary, ...
02/02/2026

As Philadelphia prepares for an unprecedented moment in 2026—welcoming the FIFA World Cup, America’s 250th anniversary, and other global events—the city is actively rethinking what it means to function as a true 24-hour city. This presentation will explore how nightlife, culture, design, and public policy intersect to shape a safe, vibrant, and economically inclusive nighttime environment.

Drawing from Philadelphia’s Nighttime Economy strategy, the talk will highlight how intentional planning, cross-sector collaboration, and thoughtful design can support businesses, residents, and visitors after dark. The discussion will also touch on how architects, planners, and creatives play a critical role in shaping spaces that balance energy, safety, and quality of life—ensuring that the city doesn’t just shine during major moments, but functions better every night.

Presenter Raheem Manning serves as the Senior Director of Nighttime Economy for the City of Philadelphia, where he leads the city’s efforts to support nightlife, hospitality, and after-dark cultural activity. His work focuses on economic development, public safety partnerships, and place-based strategies that strengthen Philadelphia’s 24-hour ecosystem. Raheem also teaches at Drexel University’s LeBow School of Business and is the founder of The Weekender Experiences, a global travel and events company.

RSVP at the following link.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/philadelphia-after-dark-designing-a-city-that-works-247-tickets-1982088202169?utm_experiment=test_share_listing&aff=ebdsshios





CityAfterDark

Twenty five years ago, Alan Greenberger and William Becker invited a handful of like-minded civic leaders to create the ...
02/02/2026

Twenty five years ago, Alan Greenberger and William Becker invited a handful of like-minded civic leaders to create the DAG. Alan will discuss how and why DAG came into existence, what its founders hoped for and what DAG has meant to Philadelphia. Alan stepped down from the leadership of DAG in its seventh year to become Philadelphia’s Chief Planner and ultimately, Deputy Mayor for Economic Development. Now retired, he will reflect on progress made and progress still to be made.

This event will be held at the Philadelphia Ethical Society, at 1906 Rittenhouse Square.

Registration is not required for in-person events, however it is helpful for our planning. Light refreshments will be served.





This Giving Tuesday, stand with DAG!2025 was a big year for design advocacy in Philadelphia. This year we: • Advocated f...
12/02/2025

This Giving Tuesday, stand with DAG!

2025 was a big year for design advocacy in Philadelphia. This year we:
• Advocated for a real inter-city bus terminal to improve transit access 🚍
• Pushed for mixed-use, community-minded development on Grays Ferry Avenue 🏘️
• Hosted public forums connecting residents, designers, and city leaders to discuss equity, preservation, and the future of Philly 🗣️
• Earned the 2025 Linchpin Award for our impact on community-driven design 🏆

Together, we can ensure Philly grows with intention — and with people at the center.

💛 Your support fuels our work in 2026. Donate today and help us keep advocating for a more equitable, vibrant, and well-designed Philadelphia.

🔗 Link below to give!

https://dag.allyrafundraising.com/campaigns/14254-digdeepfordag2025

Join the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia and PlaceEconomics for a presentation and discussion of Growing ...
11/22/2025

Join the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia and PlaceEconomics for a presentation and discussion of Growing Through Preservation: The Economic Impact of Historic Preservation in Philadelphia, a new report that quantifies how preservation contributes to the city’s economy, housing, and community vitality.

The study reveals that rehabilitation of historic buildings has generated more than $4 billion in investment, created 2,500 jobs annually, and supported diverse, affordable neighborhoods across Philadelphia. The presentation will feature key findings from the report and explore their implications for urban design, development, and policy.

This event will be held at the Philadelphia Ethical Society at 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103.

Registration is not required for in-person events, however it is helpful for our planning. Light refreshments will be served.

To register and for more information, visit the link below!

https://designadvocacy.org/dag-projects/growing-through-preservation-the-economic-impact-of-historic-preservation-in-philadelphia

11/18/2025

Thanks to all who came out last week to hear Michael Coard and Troy Leonard discuss The Presidents House exhibit. The two brought new light to the origins of the site’s design, the community collaboration involved, and the implications of President Trump’s attack on public history.

Address

Center For Architecture + Design
Philadelphia, PA
19107

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