Stuart Weitzman School of Design
102 Meyerson Hall
210 South 34th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Extended ICA
This project, developed during my first semester at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Design, explores the transformation of design principles across scales. It began with creating packaging for a tape measure, adhering to constraints such as glue-free assembly and 80% internal structural support. The solution emphasized insertion and stacking techniques, establishing a foundation for subsequent design iterations. Expanding these principles, I designed a small staircase and ultimately reimagined the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) on Penn’s campus.
Building on design strategies developed in earlier phases, this project explores the integration of interwoven pathways and intimate exhibition spaces, tailored to various artistic mediums and viewing perspectives. The design emphasizes immersive visitor experiences by creating a sequence of enclosed spaces, shielding art from natural light, and drawing visitors away from the external campus environment into a focused journey through contemporary art. The architectural form revolves around a central core, using variations in scale to craft outdoor spaces that offer moments of rest and reflection. These transitions enrich the visitor experience, blending art immersion with pauses for contemplation, and establishing a dynamic interplay between interior and exterior environments.