SUMMER STUDIO
A preparatory graduate studio: a 2,900 square foot mural art gallery and artist residency on a Philadelphia corner, developed out of an abstract sculpture and a triptych into a building.
- Client
- UPenn Weitzman School of Design
- Year
- 2021
- Location
- Philadelphia
- Role
- Instructor
- With
- TA: Emily Shaw




The summer preparatory design studio, which follows the Digiblast session focus on two main projects. The first project is to produce a triptych (2.5D) in correspondence with an abstract sculpture (3D) with discrete parts and spaces related to viewing. The second project is a building proposal with a specific site location in Philadelphia. Both projects are intended to further develop and expand on the modeling techniques, drawing skills and image production established in Digiblast.
Studio Project: To design a Mural Art Gallery and Artist Residency of 2,900 square feet. The design volume will becontained within the row house typology. In addition to the architectural structure each project will incorporate public exterior space. The program of the Gallery/Artist Residency will contain the following: gallery and exhibition spaces, reception, public bathroom, kitchenette, storage, live/work area, private bathroom, and public exterior space. The main focus is on the development of an architectural language of form and space. Descriptive geometry and generative diagrams will be integral to each project. This exciting project will showcase both new and established visual art, and will foster a space for making and creating. The Gallery/ Artist Residency will serve as a tectonic and spatial 3D sculpture becoming an iconic billboard, monument to the city and its local artists.
Site: The Gallery/Artist Residency will be located on the corner of Pine and Hicks. The role of this project is to the engage the neighborhood; create a cultural gateway for Mural Arts Philadelphia and foster interest and exposure for the artist in resident. Capturing the view of pedestrians, creating a sense of wonder in the interior gallery spaces and rethinking a public street corner are important aspects to consider in the project. In addition each project should explore the intensive properties and qualities of a gallery and exhibition space and the private qualities of an artist residence.








