The Municipal Art Society of New York (MAS) has announced the winners of the 2026 MASterworks Design Awards, recognising outstanding projects across architecture, landscape architecture, preservation, public art and urban design that have enhanced New York City's built environment. The annual awards celebrate projects that strengthen communities, improve public spaces and contribute to a more resilient and liveable city.

 

2026 MASterworks Design Award Winners

 

Best New Building

• Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center – Studio Gang
• Studio Museum in Harlem – Adjaye Associates and Cooper Robertson

 

Best Urban Landscape

• Davis Center at the Harlem Meer – Susan T. Rodriguez Architecture and Central Park Conservancy
• Kelly Park Playground – NYC Parks

 

Best Restoration

• The Frick Collection – Selldorf Architects and Beyer Blinder Belle
• Waldorf Astoria New York – Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)

 

Best Adaptive Reuse

• The Refinery at Domino – Practice for Architecture & Urbanism and Field Operations
• Manhattan Pet Adoption Center – Studio Joseph

 

Best New Urban Amenity

• DUMBO Archway Plaza Bleachers – AECOM

 

Best Environmental Innovation

• Gowanus Lowlands – SCAPE, Gowanus Canal Conservancy and NYC Department of City Planning

 

Best Public Art Restoration

• Exodus and Dance Frieze at Kingsborough Houses – restored by Jemco Electrical Contractors, EverGreene Architectural Arts and the New York City Housing Authority

 

Special Recognition Awards

MAS also awarded Special Recognition honours to:

• Gotham Park – New York City Department of Transportation
• PENN 2 – MdeAS Architects
• Plaza 33 – MNLA

 

The awards highlight a diverse range of projects, from cultural institutions and public parks to adaptive reuse developments and environmental resilience initiatives, reflecting New York City's continued investment in community-focused and sustainable urban development. The winners will be celebrated at MAS's annual "Celebrating the City" event on 21 April 2026.

 

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Source: MASNYC

 

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