August 13, 2004—The National Building Museum and Turner Construction Company announced recently that Charles A. DeBenedittis, senior managing director for design and construction of Tishman Speyer, is the third recipient of the Henry C. Turner Prize for Innovation in Construction Technology.
The Prize recognizes DeBenedittis’s extraordinary 50-year career as a leader in the construction industry—managing the construction of some of America’s and the world’s most significant buildings and for his innovative work in building technology, materials, and methods.
During his tenure at Tishman Realty and Construction Company (1954 – 1979), DeBenedittis managed the design and construction department and played a leadership role in the construction of the John Hancock Tower in Chicago, the World Trade Center in New York, and the Renaissance Center in Detroit. In the 1960s DeBenedittis was a prime mover behind the introduction of construction management, now often known as development management, as a discrete professional service. He also began the application of critical path scheduling, which streamlines the complicated construction processes, and was involved in the development of the disciplines of value engineering and fast track design/construction.
The Henry C. Turner Prize is named after the founder of Turner Construction Company, which was established in May 1902 in New York City. The Prize recognizes an invention, an innovative methodology, and/or exceptional leadership by an individual or team of individuals in construction technology. This broadly includes construction techniques, innovations and practices, construction and project management, and engineering design. The Prize primarily recognizes achievements within the United States, but innovations or achievements by Americans in construction technology outside the United States are also eligible for consideration. At the discretion of the Prize jury, the Prize will be awarded annually.
Interested members of the public wishing to attend the reception and program on September 27 can register online or by calling 202/272-2448. Advance registration is required.
