For a better experience, click the Compatibility Mode icon above to turn off Compatibility Mode, which is only for viewing older websites.

Lindy Institute Background

The Lindy Institute for Urban Innovation at Drexel University is a semi-independent interdisciplinary organization, named in honor and recognition of Philip Lindy and his family, who have donated generously to civic engagement initiatives at Drexel. Launched in 2012, the Lindy Institute provides a centralized hub for Drexel and its partners to incubate and launch innovative, effective community initiatives that build regional economic strength while promoting experiential learning, public service, and scholarly work by students, faculty, and professional staff.

The Lindy Institute for Urban Innovation was built around a single ambitious goal – that of making Drexel University the most civically engaged university in the nation. The Lindy Institute fosters deeper support for the high-quality, experientially grounded education that Drexel offers its students and creates a stronger culture of engagement among students, faculty, and professional staff.

Prior to being recruited to Drexel to lead the Lindy Institute in 2014, Executive Director Harris Steinberg founded PennPraxis of the School of Design at the University of Pennsylvania. PennPraxis is the non-profit subsidiary of Penn’s design school and was created to enable faculty and student collaboration on real world projects. During his time at PennPraxis (2002-2014), his work focused on large-scale civic visioning projects in Philadelphia. Most notable was A Civic Vision for the Central Delaware (2006-2007), a public planning process that engaged more than 4,000 Philadelphians in over 200 meetings in 13-months - altering Philadelphia’s planning history and producing a vision that is now guiding development along the Delaware River.  

Other signature projects that he led at PennPraxis were commissioned by Philadelphia Parks and Recreation and included Green2015: An action plan to add 500 acres of new park space in Philadelphia (2010); More Park, Less Way: An action plan to increase urban vibrancy on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway (2013); and The New Fairmount Park (2014), a vision and action plan for Philadelphia’s 2000-acre watershed park.  

The Lindy Institute builds upon this work, providing new opportunities for interdisciplinary teaching and research among Drexel's faculty and creates the structure to organize and leverage the University's many assets. Lindy seeks to enhance diversity and inclusivity through civic engagement, and subsequently by attracting faculty, students, and staff who share those values. Through the Lindy Institute, we provide leadership for like-minded scholars and practitioners who share a commitment to urban development and innovation, and create a forum for the rich exchange of best practices and replicable strategies.