
This annual awards program remembers
Mark Samuelian and builds on his legacy
The first annual AwardS Reception was held at the WOLFSONIAN/FIU IN MIAMI BEACH on October 26, 2023
Applicant projects can include private and public structures and infrastructure completed, or under construction and available to visit. They must show benefits to residential buildings (other than dormitories, hotels and short-term rentals) in the following Florida counties (note: additional counties may be added in 2024)
The application period for 2023 has closed. The 2024 awards cycle will be announce in spring 2024
The first annual AwardS Reception was held at the Wolfsonian/FIU in Miami BeaCH on October 26, 2023
2023 | |
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June 1 | Application submittals commence |
Sept 15 | Application submittal deadline |
Oct 10 | Notification to short-list applicants |
Oct 26 | Awards announcement and reception |
$100 – $999
WILLIAM & LILIANE VITALE
Sponsor and donor inquiries to: [email protected]
Contributions can be tax deductible
October 27, 2023
The first annual Mark Samuelian Awards in Urban Resilience were announced last night during a ceremony at FIU-The Wolfsonian museum in Miami Beach.
The Mark Samuelian Awards in Urban Resilience commemorate the life and legacy of the late Miami Beach Commissioner Mark Samuelian, who championed a residents-first approach to resilience for homes and communities that face natural and climate hazards. Resilience Action Fund (RAF) launched this program with a $50,000 pledge after the sudden loss of Mark in 2022 and was later joined by other sponsors.
The five-member awards committee is composed of resilience champions from Florida International University, University of Miami, University of Florida and MIT. The program scope focused on residential projects completed in the seven southern counties of Florida. Award criteria included resilience to hazards, environmental features, affordability, ease of duplication and community benefits.
Two projects this year received 1st prize awards of $5,000 each:
Seminole Park, completed in 2021, provides affordable and walkable housing near community amenities. Resilient features include 9.7ft elevation, wind and fire-resistant concrete block construction, buried power lines and oak trees replanted away from buildings.
House In A Garden, completed in 2022 and owned/occupied by its architect developers, is a prototype house in an urban working-class neighborhood. Resilient features include 12.2ft elevation, wind and fire-enhanced cross-laminated timber (CLT) construction, aluminum exterior protection and rapid assembly methods.
Aris Papadopoulos, Founding Chair of RAF said: “Mark Samuelian’s legacy continues through this awards recognition of resilient houses. This year’s winners show what’s possible when we prioritize people and safety as we build new homes in the age of climate change. The projects serve as great examples of resilient building practices for Florida, the US, and worldwide.”
The Mark Samuelian Awards in Urban Resilience is an annual recognition of individuals and organizations who demonstrate practical success in implementing hazard resilient measures and strategies in residential projects. The awards committee will look to expand its geographic scope in future years.
Make check to Resilience Action Fund, with note ‘Samuelian Award’.
Mail to: Resilience Action Fund, 441 NE 52nd Street, Miami, FL 33137.
Donations under $1000 can also be made by PayPal paypal.me/ResilienceActionFund