Edmund Bacon (1915 – 2006) was an American urban planner, author, and former executive director of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, recognized for his influential role in shaping mid‑20th‑century urban design in Philadelphia and beyond. Although primarily identified as an urban planner and civic designer, his work encompassed architectural concepts and contributed to the built environment of numerous public projects.
Early life and education
Edmund Bacon was born on August 2, 1915, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He attended the University of Pennsylvania, graduating in 1937 with a degree in architecture. He later earned a master’s degree in city planning from the University of Pennsylvania's School of Design.
Career
In 1945, Bacon joined the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority (PRA), and in 1949 he was appointed its executive director, a position he held until 1970. Under his leadership, the PRA initiated a series of comprehensive urban renewal projects, including the redesign of Penn Center, the development of Independence Mall, and the revitalization of the waterfront area now known as Society Hill. Bacon emphasized the integration of public spaces, pedestrian pathways, and historic preservation within modern urban frameworks.
After leaving the PRA, Bacon founded Edmund Bacon & Associates, a consulting firm that provided planning and design services to municipalities and private developers. He served as a consultant for projects such as the Baltimore Inner Harbor redevelopment and the revitalization of downtown areas in several U.S. cities.
Publications
Bacon authored several influential books on urban planning, notably:
- Design of Cities (1967) – a synthesis of his planning philosophy emphasizing human scale and civic spaces.
- The Philadelphia Plan (1975) – a detailed account of the city’s redevelopment strategies.
- The Shaping of the City (1991) – a retrospective analysis of American urban design trends.
Influence and legacy
Edmund Bacon’s work is credited with fostering a more pedestrian‑friendly, historically conscious approach to urban renewal. He advocated for the preservation of historic architecture while integrating contemporary design, influencing subsequent generations of planners and architects. The Philadelphia City Planning Commission established the Edmund N. Bacon Award in his honor, recognizing outstanding contributions to urban design.
Personal life
Bacon was married to Anne C. Bacon, with whom he had two children. He remained active in professional organizations, including the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the American Planning Association (APA), serving on several committees and advisory boards.
Death
Edmund Bacon died on November 6, 2006, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at the age of 91. His papers and project archives are housed at the University of Pennsylvania Libraries.