Dr. Ashley Hahn

Biography

Ashley Hahn is a researcher and writer working at the intersection of public life, public space, and public history. She began teaching historic preservation studios at the Weitzman School of Design in 2023. In 2019, Ashley was awarded the inaugural Adele Chatfield-Taylor Rome Prize in Historic Preservation by the American Academy in Rome for her ongoing research into the preservation of public spaces. She also received a fellowship from ICCROM for the 2021-2022 term to continue her research in Rome. Her professional experience in the field of historic preservation includes roles in restoration and construction management at the Historic Properties Fund, a nonprofit revolving-loan fund operating under the New York Landmarks Conservancy. Additionally, Ashley worked for the National Park Service at the Northeast Regional Office where she contributed to various research projects, including a 2016 PennPraxis survey on Philadelphia’s historic religious buildings. She has significant experience in public-interest journalism regarding the built and natural environment, serving as managing editor and columnist for PlanPhilly, an online news project focused on Philadelphia urbanism. Her writings have been featured in the Philadelphia Inquirer and were recognized with an environmental reporting award. Furthermore, she is involved as a local volunteer organizer for Jane's Walk, an annual global event of free public walks that honors the legacy of the famed urbanist writer Jane Jacobs.

Research Interests