WEST PHILLY PEACE PARK SUMMER BUILD PROJECT
Our Studio Project Background
This year-long 5th year research and design/build architecture studio at Thomas Jefferson University took on problems at the interaction between material and immaterial spaces where disparate socio-ecological conditions may generate possibilities for practical functionality and temporal experiences. The studio explored how temporary, semi-permanent, and or mobile spaces can provide opportunities for inclusivity, safety, self-determination, micro-economies, and accessibility to these domains at various scales in the socio-ecological model. Through a hands-on and collaborative learning experiences, students cultivated a deep understanding of the integral role architects play in shaping environments that resonate with the needs and aspirations of diverse communities to create an impactful, socially responsive architectural solution.
HELP US COMPLETE THE PAVILION!
/ FALL 2023
D9 STUDIO
SAMPLE STUDENT WORK
/ SPRING 2024
D10 STUDIO
FINAL GROUP PRESENTATION
Design Manuals
SAMPLE STUDENT WORK
* Before utilizing, please be aware that the instructions may require additional refinement.*
West Philly Peace Park
HISTORY | BACKGROUND
In 2012, residents, activists, designers, organizers, and educators working together to solve many of our neighborhood’s critical issues formed the North Philly Peace Park.
In 2020, during the national uprising against police violence, organizers, food justice activists, and residents established the new campus of the West Philly Peace Park.
Illz Willz, North Philly Peace Park Site Coordinator, explains the aspirations of the West Philly Peace Park and the Peace Parks inspiration.“Start growing then see what people want.”
Tommy Joshua, Founder and Executive Director explains the ideology and goals of the Peace Park Sites “From our community to yours we wish peace, prosperity and protection to all who seek it and all who are willing to fight for it.”
“A long and winding road lies ahead to complete the revolution to restore the land and the people back to Peace but there’s a tremendous amount of love that has been engendered at the heart of the growing Peace Park community over the course of the past 12 years of land-based revolutionary struggle. Though We have preserved dozens of vacant parcels in historically resilient neighborhoods for community green space and established many new innovations in the urban farming and community led-green design scene since our founding in 2012 we are most proud of the care, self-respect, dignity, solidarity and unity that has been built amongst one another. Through often difficult struggle and hard labor we have grown close; by collective work, sharing all of our successes, joys, fears and challenges we have gained a radical love for one another that is careful, kind and unconditional. May the spirit of Peace Park continue to spread among the people of Philadelphia. May our blessed Peacetown be protected and may its borders continue to expand across the land. From our community to yours we wish peace, prosperity and protection to all who seek it and all who are willing to fight for it.” - West Philly Peace Park
WPPP programs include:
Organic + Sustainable Urban Farming: Weekly volunteer work party every Sunday 11am-3pm and Thursday 5pm-8pm. Planting, harvesting, weeding, watering, and other agricultural task.
Green Wall Street Cooperative: a local entrepreneur incubator, green workforce development program, makerspace & marketplace
Peace Park Design: a community design + equitable development corporation working to repeat our successes in other Philadelphia neighborhoods facing high lot vacancy, gentrification, poverty, food insecurity, displacement, and violence.
Peace Park Wellness programs, addressing systemic Health disparities
STEAM educational programs
Ready to Volunteer?
If you have skills or want to learn how to build please join us Fridays 4pm-6pm, Saturday 2pm-6pm, and/or Sundays 11am-4pm.
Our
Team
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PILI X
Director
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NYASHA FELDER
Project Manager
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JESSICA ALLEN
Farm Director/Site Coordinator
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KAISHTEN BLAKE
Volunteer Director/Wellness Coordinator
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JONAS HARRIS
Education and Youth Enrichment Programs Director
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ALEXIS WHITE
Art and Design Programs Coordinator