 His rigorous method set architecture in the broader contexts of cultural and intellectual history.He was awarded the Balzan Prize 2001 for achievement in architectural history and urbanism and the Paul Kristeller citation 2001 of the Renaissance Society of America for lifetime achievement.Ackerman conceived and narrated the films shot by John Terry "Looking for Renaissance Rome" (1975, with Kathleen Weil-Garris Brandt) and "Palladio the Architect and His Influence in America" (1980).