Already number TEN, Pressing Matters X is a special issue reflecting a
year of reflection and change, after several waves of the pandemic,
Black Lives Matter protests and newly developed hybrid teaching methods.
It follows last year's Pressing Matters 9 that was completely rethought
with the aim to present an Open Source publication that shares the
Department of Architecture's concept of design-research, an integral
approach of critical thinking, rigorous research, and design,
representing a deep understanding of the complex layers of architecture.
Together with Jonathan Jackson & team of WSDIA, a more integral design
was developed, allowing input from research [ARI labs], students,
faculty and Penn's special events.
This anniversary of Pressing Matters is celebrated by adding the
"decade" color of silver to the usual recycled cardboard cover of
Weitzman's architecture publication. It also represents a year of new
opportunities brought by a complete rethinking of education through the
introduction of remote learning, zoom lectures and meetings. A much
larger international group of diverse jurors, experts, and critics could
be invited as travel was of no hindrance for attendance.
In conjunction with the 17th International Architecture Exhibition - La
Biennale di Venezia, CityX Venice, a virtual exhibition of new and
recent work by leading architects and designers from around the world,
opened online in May. Winka Dubbeldam, who is Miller Professor and Chair
of the Department of Architecture and Director of the Advanced Research
and Innovation (ARI) Lab, served as one of the creative directors,
inviting six faculty members to present examples of the design-research
under way at Weitzman. We are also very excited that the Department of
Architecture at the Weitzman was selected for the next Acadia 2022
Conference called Hybrids & Haecceities, which asks how technology
enables, reflects, and challenges established disciplinary boundaries
and design practices. Hybrids & Haecceities aligns with a fundamental
shift away from abstract generalized models of design and production
towards custom or bespoke design now possible at an unprecedented scale
due to Industry 4.0. After a summer of protests the department
immediately created a DEI committee, restructured its curriculum and
student and faculty body to be more inclusive. The department also
instigated a free summer school for the students as internships and jobs
were hard to come by. The generous support of the great group of
external experts really helped the students in their design for a
temporary Covid testing station, issues such as prefabrication, social
equity, and race and gender were discussed and became the source of
inspiration for the exquisite designs published by Surface Media.
