Degrees of Design: An Annual Exhibition of Student Work from Philadelphia’s Architecture + Design Schools

DEGREES OF DESIGN is the Center for Architecture’s annual exhibition featuring the work from Philadelphia’s Architecture + Design Schools. Each year, the exhibit showcases the creative work happening in Philadelphia under the guidance of the educators at our local architecture and design schools. The participating schools each choose a selection of student work from various design departments within their institutions. The work – ranging from architecture to interior design to urban planning and landscape architecture – represents the diversity of the instructional theories, philosophies, and teaching techniques of each school. This year’s exhibit features work from Drexel, Philadelphia, and Temple Universities, University of the Arts, and Moore College of Art and Design and will be on view until March 14th.

David Bender, Center Coordinator, says, “The Center is excited to showcase creative thinking from the next generation of architects and designers. We hope this exhibition will generate discussion among students, teachers, design professionals, and the general public about what good design is, why it matters, and how to educate the next generation of designers and architects who will shape the world we live in.”

The Center started that conversation on February 6th with a panel discussion at the exhibits opening reception. The discussion, moderated by Carol Hermann of Philadelphia University, explored the skills and attributes firms look for when hiring young architects and designers. The panel featured representatives from design firms of various sizes, as well as young architects working in the city. They included Bob McConnell, of EwingCole, Christine Marsal, of MGA Partners Architects, Josh Otto, of Otto Architects LLC, Allison Edmonds, of UCI Architects, and Jared McKnight, of the AIA Philadelphia Associate Committee.