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Stuart Weitzman School of Design

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The philosophy of visual studies
Three students standing outside

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.

Louisa Shepard

An investment in energy and sustainability ‘for the survival of humanity’
Illustration of scientists building a glowing structure collaboratively.

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.

Katherine Unger Baillie

Public schools, COVID-19, and addressing education’s aging infrastructure
two panels depicting conditions in philadelphia public schools. the one on the left is a cartoon of students working in a classroom with issues such as mold, vermin, and asbestos and lead highlighted. on the right is an updated version of the same classroom with these issues removed and text below asks "what is your dream for philadelphia schools?"

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.

Erica K. Brockmeier

Learning to listen in troubled times
People in masks talk about an exercise in listening

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.

Kristen de Groot

Taking a closer look at cryptocurrency
cryptocurrency illustration

Taking a closer look at cryptocurrency

Experts across the University share their thoughts on how cryptocurrency has globally transformed businesses, research, and the environment.

Michele W. Berger , Erica K. Brockmeier , Kristen de Groot , Dee Patel

‘Under Pressure: Essays on Urban Housing’ is released
Book cover for Under Pressure: Essays on Urban Housing, edited by Hina Jamelle.

‘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.

From the Weitzman School of Design

Penn at COP26: By the numbers
The midnight sun shines across sea ice.

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.

Michele W. Berger

Answering ‘How will we live together?’ at the Venice Biennale
City X Venice Italian Virtual Pavilion A screenshot of the City X Venice Italian Virtual Pavilion, the Biennale’s first-ever virtual pavilion, with Dubbeldam serving as one of the creative directors. (Image: Winka Dubbeldam)

Answering ‘How will we live together?’ at the Venice Biennale

After more than a year of delays, Penn faculty and students were able to participate in La Biennale di Venezia architectural exhibition with both virtual and physical submissions.

Erica K. Brockmeier

Steiner’s term as dean of Penn’s Weitzman School of Design is extended
Design School Dean Fritz Steiner seated behind table in front of abstract green and white painting

Frederick “Fritz” Steiner, dean of the Stuart Weitzman School of Design at the University of Pennsylvania.

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Steiner’s term as dean of Penn’s Weitzman School of Design is extended

Frederick “Fritz” Steiner’s term as dean of the Stuart Weitzman School of Design has been extended two years to June 30, 2025. The announcement was made by Penn President Amy Gutmann and Interim Provost Beth A. Winkelstein.

Ron Ozio , Michael Grant