Pressing Matters is an exciting design and research compilation from
PennDesign's Department of Architecture, featuring recent student work,
news, important symposia and lectures. Society faces many challenges:
global warming and environmental change, pollution and waste, transition
to new energy and resource economies, the redistribution and
reorganization of political and economic power worldwide; globalization
of the construction and development industries, population growth,
shrinkage and migration; urban intensification and attrition;
privatization of public sector activities; and the transformation of
cultural identities and social institutions. We seek to bring the
expansion of expertise and creativity in architecture to bear on these
challenges with a goal to be at the forefront of advanced research &
design by creating an advanced research institute that focuses on new
design methodologies and future manufacturing through the interlinked
intelligence of digital design, scripting and robotics. Printed on
recycled paper with non-toxic inks, Pressing Matters focuses on social
awareness and responsibility, and endeavors to be a think-tank for
critical exchange and advanced debate within and across disciplinary
boundaries. We are a connective device linking invited experts for
ongoing lectures and publications to a growing international audience
and an increasing network of experts.
