What is your Big Idea for Philadelphia?
Reimagining Philadelphia: Penn’s Vision
Luka Lakuriqi
Philadelphia was born from William Penn’s radical idea: a city designed for harmony, prosperity, and beauty. He imagined a place of order and structure, balanced with green parks and open spaces — a city built for people. Over time, that vision has been obscured. But what would it take to restore Penn’s dream in the 21st century? In this talk, we’ll uncover a simple yet transformative approach to reconnect Philadelphia with its roots — and reimagine its future as a city of peace, parks, and people once again.
Click on the images for a sneak peek on their presentation!
About the Speaker
Lakuriqi founded his eponymous design studio in 2023, working across scales, functions, and collaborations. He has had a multi-disciplinary career, including roles as a project designer in healthcare and Assisted Living facilities. He has served as Director of the Mayfair Community Development Corporation and as a building material estimator. Notably, he was the former co-chair of the Philadelphia Emerging Architects.
He has been deeply involved in shaping Philadelphia’s architecture and political landscape. He served as a juror for the John Stewardson Memorial Fellowship in Architecture—Accessory Dwelling Unit Competition. From 2023 to 2024, he sat on the board of the Philadelphia AIA. He also served on the board of Second Generation, where he promoted the political engagement of immigrant communities.
His current projects include the adaptive reuse of a residential property to become a Personal Care facility, where he combats aging in place, and a sushi bar across from landmarked City Hall.
Luka Lakuriqi
Email: luka.lakuriqi@gmail.com