The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has presented David Dixon ’69 with the 2007 Thomas Jefferson Award for public architecture. Dixon’s portfolio of accomplishments mainly features public facilities in his hometown of Boston, but his work extends to areas as varied as Chicago, Cincinnati, Miami and, most recently, post-Katrina New Orleans.
According to AIA website, the Thomas Jefferson Award honors among others, “public-sector architects who manage or produce quality design within their agencies.”
An advocate for making urban communities denser, Dixon is known for putting forward bold ideas that encompass a wide variety of opinions.
“I help people understand other ideas before planning,” Dixon said.
He explained that this entails a planning period that emphasizes the needs of residents over pure urban design.
Dixon believes that higher population density is necessary for urban communities looking to develop. Although many are opposed to actively increasing density, Dixon argues that the low-density approach deprives the community of diversity in population, entertainment, and work opportunities, and also increases travel times and reliance on cars.
“[Higher density] is essential to creating lively street life,” Dixon said. “Less people would drive because the things that they need would be easy to walk to, and having active streets creates a sense of community and encourages further growth.”
Additionally, Dixon said that development does not result in an unmanageable population.
“Cities now have more wealth, and are attracting younger people,” he said. “It used to be rare for a family to have two or less children, now it’s rare for them to have more than two.”
According to Dixon, as wealthier, younger individuals with fewer children move into cities, urban communities have the opportunity to provide a diversified environment with strong bonds between long-time citizens, without having overpopulation issues.
Dixon’s other goals include developing both housing and downtown areas that will attract a variety of people. He sees the need to accommodate the growing number of self-employed people moving to the city, as opposed to the traditional office-based city economy. These independent workers will in turn increase opportunities for new businesses, as well as for cultural and artistic advances.
Dixon’s most recent projects have been in New Orleans, where his firm Goody Clancy is currently leading the planning for the restoration of several districts.
The firm faces many challenges in New Orleans, from making plans that will attract people to the devastated areas to making the center city denser and providing a safe, disaster-resistant environment.
“Some parts are very strong and some need a lot of help,” Dixon said about the city. “A few miles away [from the center] where there is the devastation, it needs to be made safer and more attractive.”
Dixon was a College of Social Studies major, which he said provided him with a firm grasp for how different disciplines integrate. He said the varied nature of the program gave him a grasp on how cities evolve and an understanding of the necessity of providing for all members of a given community.
According to the AIA, Dixon’s ambitious approach has proven successful with several Boston projects. The most recent of these include successful plans for Eastern Cambridge, the seaport district, extending Harvard’s campus, and a comprehensive vision for turnpike air rights.
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