DPZ CoDesign facts for kids

DPZ CoDesign, often called DPZ, is a company that designs buildings and plans towns. It was started in 1980 by a husband and wife, Andrés Duany and Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, in Miami, Florida. DPZ is known for promoting something called New Urbanism. This is a way of designing towns and cities to be more walkable and friendly. Besides the founders, other important partners at DPZ include Galina Tachieva, Marina Khoury, Senen M. A. Antonio, and Matthew J. Lambert.

DPZ works on many different types of projects. They create plans for entire regions and city centers. They also design brand new towns and villages. Sometimes, they help improve existing urban areas. They also focus on places near public transportation. This helps people get around easily. DPZ also works on updating suburban areas. They design college campuses, housing, and public buildings too. The company has its main office in Miami, Florida. They also have offices in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and Portland, Oregon.

Awards and Recognition

DPZ has won many awards for its amazing work. These include two National AIA Awards. They also received the Thomas Jefferson Award. Another big honor was the Vincent Scully Prize. They even won two Governor's Urban Design Awards for Excellence.

One of DPZ's most famous projects is Seaside, Florida. This was the first truly new town built successfully in the United States in over 50 years. In 1989, Time magazine recognized Seaside. They called it one of the top 10 "Best of the Decade" achievements in design.

Cool Projects They Designed

Here are some of the planned communities designed by DPZ:

• 

  Seaside, Florida

• 

  Kentlands, Maryland

• 

  Rosemary Beach, Florida

• East Beach, Norfolk, Virginia
• Village of Providence, Huntsville, Alabama
• Alys Beach, Florida
• Prospect New Town, Longmont, Colorado

Helping After Disasters

DPZ has played a big role in helping communities rebuild after natural disasters. After hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit the Gulf Coast, DPZ stepped in. They worked with commissions in Mississippi and Louisiana. Their designers created plans for rebuilding regions, towns, and neighborhoods. They also made guides for homeowners. These guides helped people rebuild their own homes.

One important effort was the Mississippi Renewal Forum. DPZ organized and led this event. It created plans for eleven towns along the Mississippi Coast. They also helped with the Louisiana Speaks project. This effort developed plans for rebuilding the southern Louisiana coast. DPZ also helped with the Unified New Orleans Plan. They planned for areas like the French Quarter and the Central Business District. After an earthquake hit Haiti in 2010, DPZ helped again. They worked with The Prince's Foundation for the Built Environment. Together, they created a recovery plan for Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital city.