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Architecture
How a class of ‘brilliant graduates’ shaped modern Chinese architecture
The ‘Building in China’ exhibition showcases the work of the ‘first generation’ of Penn architecture alumni from China and how striking a balance between modern and traditional continues to shape the country’s expression of its national identity.
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
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.
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.
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.
In the backyard at the Philadelphia Flower Show
Abdallah Tabet of the Stuart Weitzman School of Design is one of 34 major exhibitors at this year’s Philadelphia Flower Show.
The power of architecture to address public health and environmental crises
Two new studies, one on UV sterilization in occupied rooms and another on radiative cooling, show how architecture can help create interior spaces that are both COVID-safe and energy-efficient.
James Corner elected to American Academy of Arts and Letters
The professor emeritus and renowned landscape architect and urban designer has been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters, widely considered the highest form of recognition of artistic merit in the United States.
The unbridled brilliance of Julian Abele
The 1902 graduate of the architecture program is finally starting to receive credit for his vast and iconic portfolio, which includes the central branch of the Free Library, Penn’s President’s House, Harvard’s flagship library, and more than 30 spaces and places on Duke’s campus.
Seeing the connections between health and the built environment
The course New Approaches to an Architecture of Health offers students the chance to explore the role of architecture on health and well-being and how mindful design can be used to create a healthier future.
In the News
Why do we keep developing in climate disaster zones?
Jessica Varner of the Weitzman School of Design says that the federal buyout timeline for homes destroyed by natural disasters opens the door to predatory buyers. William “Billy” Fleming of Weitzman says that adaptation requires various types of interventions that deal with the urgent effects of climate change.
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Historic Longwood Gardens in Chester County readies for its next modern chapter
Marion Weiss of the Weitzman School of Design has helped spearhead the renovation of Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.
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While America dithers over climate change, Swarthmore College shows how we can live without fossil fuels
William Braham of the Weitzman School of Design explains how Penn has cut its total energy consumption by 50% since 2009.
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Philadelphia’s Ben Franklin Parkway and how it was inspired by Paris’ Champs-Élysées
David Brownlee of the School of Arts & Sciences says the goal of the City Beautiful movement was to create a new American aesthetic, from industrial landscape to urban paradise.
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Philadelphia’s Market Street East searches for growth and renewal — with or without a new Sixers arena
Akira Drake Rodriguez, Rashida Ng, and Dominic Vitiello of the Weitzman School of Design say there should be a more robust and inclusive conversation about the future of Philadelphia’s Market Street East.
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Chinatown residents brainstorm different ideas for Fashion District instead of proposed 76ers arena
Rashida Ng of the Weitzman School of Design and colleagues attended the Save Chinatown Coalition to propose different ideas besides the 76ers arena for Philadelphia’s Fashion District.
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