PPCE worked with PennPraxis, the outreach arm of the University of Pennsylvania School of Design, to develop a framework for development of the Central Delaware River waterfront. The result was a Civic Vision predicated on public waterfront access and urban design excellence. The Civic Vision is based on planning principles grounded in the values and civic aspirations of more than 5000 Philadelphians who participated in a year-long public planning process.

This public planning process was designed and implemented by the PPCE. It consisted of a series of community engagement workshops in which participants worked first as individuals, then in small groups and ended in a plenary session. In this work, they focused first on what they value most for their (waterfront) community and, second, on what kinds of design elements would exemplify those values. Thus, they moved from individual to group voice in creating a civic vision for the waterfront. As more than one participant said "I'm fifty-five years old and this is the first time that anyone has ever asked me for my thoughts about what I want for my neighborhood."

His voice, and that of some 5000 others, are contained in seven principles which represent the common ground that participants from different background developed in the workshops:

• Reconnect the city to the river's edge
  Build Philadelphia back to the river. Split up the sprawling, super-block¬style street layout that currently undermines the character of the central Delaware, and increase and enhance the quality of the physical and visual connections between the riverfront and adjacent neighborhoods.
• Honor the river.
  The Delaware River is a significant regional resource. Acknowledge both the historical role the river played in shaping Philadelphia as a leading American city and its importance to the city today. Support the needs of the shipping industry and Philadelphia’s working port, as well as the river’s recreational and environmental potential
• Design with nature.
  Remember that the Delaware River is a giant watershed. Plan development along the river’s edge carefully, so that natural sites can coexist harmoniously with other uses, such as residences, businesses and the working port.
• Take the long view.
  Do not be seduced by short-term gains in developing the central Delaware. Think big and create bold plans for the future of I-95 at Penn’s Landing, the connections between the river and the neighborhoods and the possibilities for creating a world-class riverfront..
• Protect the public good.
  Connect city neighborhoods to the riverfront through a new and distinct network of public places that tells the story of Philadelphia and the Delaware River. Establish the riverfront as a meeting place for all Philadelphia residents, and provide multiple access points for neighbors to use.
• Make it real, Philadelphia.
  Honor Philadelphia’s illustrious past and promising future through the design of the central Delaware. Make the riverfront a real place based on local values by ensuring that the implementation of the Civic Vision for the Central Delaware is based on sustained civic engagement.

The civic vision and action plan that were developed through this project were approved by the Philadelphia City Planning Commission

For more on this project, click here.