March 31, 2010 (Philadelphia, PA) – The University of Pennsylvania is pleased to announce the launch of the New Aging Award 2010, whose purpose is to identify progressive architectural designs for the elderly, whether realized or conceptual. Banal and indifferent architecture can become a barrier as people age, exacerbating physical limitations, and paradoxically increasing both social isolation and dependency. The New Aging Award will recognize designs that enable the aging and elderly to lead a life of dignity.

Entries can be uploaded to Architizer.com with no submission fee. The requirements for submission are a minimum of three images, a 150-250 word description, and credit for the entire team. The New Aging Award is open to any architectural project designed for, or including, a single person or a group of people who are 55 and older. The designs may range from a private house to an assisted living facility, nursing home, or continuing care retirement facility. The registered projects are available for public viewing by searching the Architizer database. Entries for the award are due by May 3, 2010.

Submissions will be evaluated on the basis of architectural and social innovation.  The jury will announce the winners in May 2010.  The jury will include:
- William Braham – Jury Chair (Interim Chair, Department of Architecture, University of Pennsylvania)
- Matthias Hollwich (Principal, HWKN, New York & University of Pennsylvania)
- Winka Dubbeldam (Principal, Archi-Tectonics, New York & University of Pennsylvania,)
- Two additional jury members, to be announced shortly

There will be two award categories, one for visionary and one for realized projects, and six honorable mentions. The winners will be included in a book on New Aging to be published in conjunction with the New Aging Conference at the University of Pennsylvania on October 1st and 2nd, 2010. All winners and honorable mentions will be recognized at the conference and will receive two free tickets to the conference.

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New Aging is an architectural research initiative led by Matthias Hollwich to progress the living environment for the elderly. The award has been made possible by the Kasirer Family and is directly linked to the international conference on aging and architecture held at the University of Pennsylvania on October 1st and 2nd, 2010. For additional information please visit www.new-aging.com.