Stuart Weitzman School of Design
102 Meyerson Hall
210 South 34th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Subversive Stage
This project seeks to embody the ICA’s core mission through innovative architectural design. Located in Philadelphia, the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) is an educational art institution that was once part of the Weitzman School of Design at the University of Pennsylvania. Dedicated to fostering an open, equal, and inclusive platform for art, ICA welcomes people from all walks of life. It focuses on supporting interdisciplinary art practices, serving as a space for experimentation, community engagement, and knowledge creation. Unlike many overly commercialized art institutions, ICA prioritizes the authenticity and purity of art.
To reflect these values, I have rotated some programmed spaces and make them intersect with each other to create a new exhibition model that redefines the relationship between audiences and artworks. By emphasizing openness and connectivity, my design integrates the exhibition space with the outside world, encouraging interaction and accessibility. This approach aligns closely with ICA’s mission and vision, ensuring that the architectural space not only supports but also amplifies its role as a hub for creativity, inclusivity, and artistic exploration. My goal is to craft an environment where art can be experienced more dynamically, fostering meaningful connections between people and creative expression.