September 29, 2010

The Annual Architecture Student Exhibition will be on display in the Leonard Pearlstein Gallery through October 22nd. The show will feature drawings, models and digital images from 2010 architecture graduate thesis projects. The projects on exhibit represent the medal winners and the finalists for the Michael Pearson Thesis Prize.

The Michael Pearson Prizes are presented annually to architecture students who produce the best Thesis Projects. Architecture students complete their studio sequence by undertaking a year-long independent comprehensive thesis project on a design challenge of their choice. Architecture buffs should join us for the opening reception on Wednesday, September 29th at 5 PM at the Pearlstein Gallery.

DesignPhiladelphia is the nation’s largest celebration of its kind featuring over 450 designers who will showcase the role of design in our fair city. As a cultural initiative, DesignPhiladelphia aims to further this region’s creative economy and it places Philadelphia in the spotlight as a first-tier city of design and innovation. DesignPhiladelphia will take place from October 7- 17th all around the city and our contribution includes a double bill of films focusing on design and a lecture by our esteemed Dr. David Raizman, author of History of Modern Design.

On Thursday, October 14th, at 6 PM in Bossone’s Mitchell Auditorium, we will screen the documentary Handmade Nation: The Rise of DIY, Art, Craft and Design by Faythe Levine. Handmade Nation documents the resurgence of ‘do-it-yourself’ art, craft and design as the filmmaker Levine traveled to 15 cities to interview artists, crafters, makers and curators. Following Handmade Nation, The Visual Language of Herbert Matter will be screened at 7:45 PM. The documentary by Reto Caduff is a revealing look at the life of the highly influential mid-century modern design master, Herbert Matter. Known as a quintessential designer's designer, Swiss born Matter is often credited with expanding the use of photography as a design tool and bringing the semantics of fine art into the realm of applied arts. For more information on these two free screenings for DesignPhiladelphia, please click here.

On Tuesday, October 12th at 6 PM, David Raizman, Department Head of Media Arts and author of History of Modern Design, will give a lecture and will be available to sign the newly released 2nd edition of his book. David’s book is gorgeous and it is the quintessential text on modern design; copies will be available for purchase.