Explore the personal library of one of Philadelphia’s most visionary City Planners. DesignPhiladelphia invites the public to a rare book sale featuring titles from the private collection of Edmund N. Bacon, whose ideas shaped the modern city.

On Friday evening, DesignPhiladelphia will host a special Social Reception featuring remarks by Greg Heller, founder of the Ed Bacon Foundation and creator of the original Better Philadelphia Challenge, now known as the Edmund N. Bacon Student Urban Design Competition. Heller is also the author of Ed Bacon: Planning, Politics, and the Building of Modern Philadelphia, a definitive account of Bacon’s life and work.

This event serves as a prequel to DesignPhiladelphia’s 20th anniversary year of the Student Urban Design Competition in 2026. The anniversary celebration will continue with the Annual Edmund N. Bacon Urban Design Awards on March 11, honoring Omar Blalik of U3 Advisors and the student finalists from this year’s competition.

Together, we'll celebrate two decades of student-driven urban vision and the enduring legacy of Edmund N. Bacon in shaping Philadelphia and the practice of city planning.

Registration is required.