Studying the past through a modern-day lens Lynn Meskell is the Richard D. Green Penn Integrates Knowledge University Professor in the Department of Anthropology in the School of Arts & Sciences, a professor in the Department of City and Regional Planning and the graduate program in Historic Preservation in the Stuart Weitzman School of Design, and a curator in the Middle East and Asia sections at the Penn Museum. (Image: Eric Sucar) Studying the past through a modern-day lens In a Q & A, archaeologist and PIK Professor Lynn Meskell discusses her background, the subjects that interest her—from espionage to World Heritage sites—and collaborations that have organically arisen at Penn despite the pandemic and a mostly remote first year.
After the shutdown, what comes next for the former Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery? Flames and smoke emerge from the Philadelphia Energy Solutions Refining Complex in Philadelphia, Friday, June 21, 2019. (Image: Matt Rourke/AP Images) After the shutdown, what comes next for the former Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery? Creating a greener, more equitable future at the site means understanding its complex history, its long-running public health impacts, and working in partnership with communities.
The philosophy of visual studies The Class of 2022 has eight visual studies majors, including (from left) Zuqi Fu of Beijing, Eli Ricanati of Santa Monica, California, and Morgan Jones of Albany, New York. The philosophy of visual studies Founded 20 years ago, the interdisciplinary major of visual studies creates a bridge for students to combine interests, including philosophy, art history, architecture, fine arts, and psychology.
An investment in energy and sustainability ‘for the survival of humanity’ The Energy and Sustainability Initiative will support collaborative, cross-disciplinary work on one of the most urgent issues facing society today: breaking our dependence on non-renewable energy sources and promoting a cleaner environment. (Image: Sam Falconer) Sam Falconer An investment in energy and sustainability ‘for the survival of humanity’ Significant new support for research and hires will bolster Penn’s existing strengths in developing the energy and sustainability solutions of the future.
Public schools, COVID-19, and addressing education’s aging infrastructure Renderings developed by students in Planning Public Schools as Infrastructure, one showing deteriorating conditions in buildings and the other encouraging viewers to envision their future, on display outside of City Hall. (Image credit: Akira Drake Rodriguez) Public schools, COVID-19, and addressing education’s aging infrastructure Urban planners and architects are working to address one of the many challenges faced by public schools by designing healthy and engaging outdoor educational spaces.
Learning to listen in troubled times Ernesto Pujol leads a workshop on “Listening in Troubled Times,” part of a lecture on the topic organized by the SNF Paideia Program. (Image: Lisa Marie Patzer) Learning to listen in troubled times The SNF Paideia Program and partners featured Ernesto Pujol and Aaron Levy, an artist and an interdisciplinary scholar who have transformed both what it means to listen and what the act of listening can achieve as part of a lecture and workshops.
Taking a closer look at cryptocurrency Taking a closer look at cryptocurrency Experts across the University share their thoughts on how cryptocurrency has globally transformed businesses, research, and the environment.
With OurPlan, Weitzman team pilots new data tool for neighborhood democracy With OurPlan, Weitzman team pilots new data tool for neighborhood democracy A team of Weitzman scholars designed OurPlan to give residents of West Philadelphia a voice in planning and preservation.
‘Under Pressure: Essays on Urban Housing’ is released ‘Under Pressure: Essays on Urban Housing’ is released The new publication, edited by Hina Jamelle, senior lecturer and director of urban housing in the Department of Architecture, gathers and contextualizes recent conversations on urban housing through a design lens.
Penn at COP26: By the numbers The midnight sun shines across sea ice along the Northwest Passage in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. (Image: AP Photo/David Goldman) Penn at COP26: By the numbers A look at who is representing the University at this global conference, what they’re focused on, and how it fits into the bigger picture of worldwide climate action.