French Influences on Philadelphia’s Urbanism and Architecture with Prof. Daniel Coslett.

The Alliance Française de Philadelphie, in partnership with the American Institute of Architects, Philadelphia and their EDI Committee presents :

Architecture and Urbanism Outside the Box: Philadelphia française

Parisian influences on the architecture and urbanism of Philadelphia peaked during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries when designers here embraced Second Empire, Beaux-Arts, and City Beautiful perspectives. Their accomplishments in many ways transformed Penn's 'Greene Country Towne' with the addition of monumental structures and spaces rivaling those found in European capitals. Their interventions challenged the Center City grid and drew nature into its streets in ways new to Philadelphia. 

This presentation by Professor Daniel E. Coslett will focus on the City Hall–Logan Square–Parkway–Art Museum axis, highlighting formal and functional correlations between Paris and Philadelphia française. 

Speaker Daniel E. Coslett, Ph.D. is a scholar of architectural and urban history. His interests center on the place of historical built environments within contemporary cities. A native of southeast Pennsylvania, Coslett studied political science and classics at Davidson College, and the history of architecture and urban development at Cornell University. He then received an interdisciplinary Ph.D. in the built environment (history, theory, and representation studies) from the University of Washington. He joined the faculty at Drexel University in 2022, having previously taught at Western Washington University in the Department of Art & Art History. At the University of Washington in Seattle, Coslett offered courses on architectural history and theory, global built environments, and historic preservation for the Departments of Architecture, Urban Design and Planning, and the College of Built Environments.  

Background about AIA Philadelphia

AIA Philadelphia is a professional membership organization representing more than 1,800 architects, 250+ architecture firms, and allied professionals across the region. As the second-oldest AIA chapter in the United States, it advances architecture through education, advocacy, design excellence, community engagement, and a commitment to equity and justice.  

The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee works to create awareness and promote a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive architectural profession.

The Cultural Initiative approaches EDI through the lens of cultural exchange and celebration. Rather than treating EDI solely as a professional or institutional issue, the initiative creates opportunities to learn from the cultures, histories, traditions, and creative practices represented within Philadelphia's diverse communities. Through exhibitions, conversations, partnerships, film, art, food, and other cultural programs, the initiative aims to celebrate difference, amplify underrepresented voices, build connections, and create a greater sense of belonging within the architectural community.

Committee chairs: Abel Peter, Elsa de Leon

Evening Schedule

6:30-6:45 PM Arrival and Welcome

6:45-7:30 PM AIA Continuing Education Lecture and Presentation (0.5LU)

7:30-8:30 PM Informal Discussion and Networking

French food and Drinks from J’aime Bakery will be served

Event Information

Date : Friday, October 9, 2026

Time : 6:30-8:30pm

Location :1420 Walnut Street, Philadelphia PA 19102

Language : English

Cost : $10 for Members/$15 for non Members