The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is honoring Robert D. Eisenstat, FAIA, the design leader for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and Paul D. Mankins, FAIA, principal of Substance Architecture, with the 2022 AIA Award for Excellence in Public Architecture.
The award recognizes architects, public officials, or other individuals who design distinguished public facilities and advocate for design excellence.
Following 15 years in private practice in the United States and Brazil, in 1990 Eisenstat joined the Port Authority, a unique public agency that provides a public benefit to millions of residents and visitors in the greater New York City region on a daily basis. As the organization’s chief architect, a position he assumed in 2013, Eisenstat oversees a team of architects and specialty consultants, all focused on raising the profile of the authority’s projects. In championing public-private collaborations and partnerships, he has delivered extensive and complex projects that improve transit and radically transform neighborhoods.
Eisenstat has overseen major projects such as the $10 billion master plan to replace the outdated and undersized Port Authority Bus Terminal, the most heavily used facility of its type in the world. In addition, he served on the selection committee for the LaGuardia Airport Redevelopment Program, a $3.6 billion effort to modernize one of the country’s busiest airports. Following the catastrophic September 11, 2001, terrorist attack, Eisenstat led downtown Manhattan’s transportation planning and reintroduced PATH commuter rail service at the World Trade Center.
Since 2007, Eisenstat has served as a co-chair of AIA New York’s Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, promoting a deeper understanding and engagement in design quality and innovation for both the profession and the public. Through the alliances he forged with design professionals and technical experts from around the world, Eisenstat has nurtured a vast knowledge network through which invaluable experience and expertise are shared. Additionally, he envisions and leads a wide range of programs for architects, allied professionals, and the public that foreground an awareness of the role architects play in promoting the health of cities.
Following his graduate studies at Yale University, Mankins returned to his native Iowa in 1991 and immediately began working with the University of Iowa as an architect in the offices of Herbert Lewis Kruse Blunck Architecture. Today, Mankins is a principal at Des Moines’ Substance Architecture where he oversees important projects, such as the city’s Principal Riverwalk Pavilion and Pump Station. The pair of small utilitarian buildings along the Des Moines River marks the eastern edge of the city’s historic Court Avenue District and hosts a farmers’ market that draws more than 20,000 people weekly. The project has been a critical element in spurring citizens of Des Moines to reconnect with the river.
Substance has been heavily engaged with the Des Moines Public Library System, delivering a stunning 150,000-square-foot central library that has served as a lynchpin in a re-envisioning of the entire library system. For the remarkably democratic project, a collaboration with David Chipperfield Associates, Mankins conducted public sessions with library patrons from across the city. During the schematic design phase, four alternatives were developed, and patrons were invited to vote for their favorite at their local branch.
Early in his career, Mankins began collaborating with artists to produce integrated site-specific works. In 2004, he was invited to join the Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation’s board of trustees. Later, he served as its president. Through the organization, Mankins has collaborated with renowned artists such as Siah Armajani, Alice Aycock, Jun Kaneko, and Kerry James Marshall. His efforts have made public art a central component in Des Moines and have positioned the city as a national destination for public art.
Learn more about the AIA Award for Excellence in Public Architecture on AIA’s website.
Related Stories
Industrial Facilities | Apr 14, 2022
JLL's take on the race for industrial space
In the previous decade, the inventory of industrial space couldn’t keep up with demand that was driven by the dual surges of the coronavirus and online shopping. Vacancies declined and rents rose. JLL has just published a research report on this sector called “The Race for Industrial Space.” Mehtab Randhawa, JLL’s Americas Head of Industrial Research, shares the highlights of a new report on the industrial sector's growth.
High-rise Construction | Apr 14, 2022
Seattle’s high-rise convention center nears completion
The new Washington State Convention Center Summit Building—billed as the first high-rise convention center in North America—is on track to complete most of its construction later this year.
Building Team | Apr 14, 2022
TLC Engineering Solutions, Inc. acquires Moye I.T. Consulting, LLC
TLC Engineering Solutions, Inc. (TLC) is excited to announce that Moye I.T. Consulting, LLC (Moye Consulting) has joined the TLC team, expanding the breadth of its IT and Technology capabilities, as well as its national portfolio.
Wood | Apr 13, 2022
Mass timber: Multifamily’s next big building system
Mass timber construction experts offer advice on how to use prefabricated wood systems to help you reach for the heights with your next apartment or condominium project.
AEC Tech | Apr 13, 2022
Morphosis designs EV charging station for automaker Genesis
LA-based design and architecture firm Morphosis has partnered with automotive luxury brand Genesis to bring their signature brand and styling, attention-to-detail, and seamless customer experience to the design of Electric Vehicle Charging (EVC) Stations.
AEC Tech | Apr 13, 2022
A robot automates elevator installation
Schindler—which manufactures and installs elevators, escalators, and moving walkways—has created a robot called R.I.S.E. (robotic installation system for elevators) to help install lifts in high-rise buildings.
Government Buildings | Apr 11, 2022
Milan’s new US Consulate celebrates Italian design
In Milan, Italy, the new U.S. Consulate General broke ground on April 6. Managed by Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO), a U.S. government agency that directs overseas builds, the 10-acre campus will feature a new Consulate building, as well as the restoration of the site’s historic Liberty Building and reconstruction of a pavilion on the 80,000-square-foot parade ground.
Sponsored | BD+C University Course | Apr 10, 2022
Designing with commercial and industrial insulated metal wall panels
Discover the characteristics, benefits and design options for commercial/industrial buildings using insulated metal panels (IMPs). Recognize the factors affecting panel spans and the relationship of these to structural supports. Gain knowledge of IMP code compliance.
Laboratories | Apr 7, 2022
North Carolina's latest play for biotech real estate development
The Tar Heel State is among a growing number of markets rolling out the welcome mat for lab spaces.
Healthcare Facilities | Apr 7, 2022
Visibility breeds traffic in healthcare design
Ryan Companies has completed several healthcare projects that gain exposure by being near retail stores or office buildings.