In June Urban Studio identified our first two projects: Rain Collection Systems for Philadelphia Row Homes and Place Making through Intersection Repair.

The Rain Collection project will develop a range of designs appropriate to Philadelphia Homes and homeowners in terms of size, aesthetic, function, cost and based on the production capabilities in the neighborhood, city, and region. Phase One will run to September and end with designs for 10 systems. Phase Two will follow with the installation of 10 working prototypes and an outline for a ten house case study.

Intersection Repair will involve extensive research into specific neighborhoods to identify where are key moments of interaction that make and give these locations their character and culture. During research Urban Studio will be working with community leaders to create a series of events. The events will happen in Phase Two with the goal of turning underutilized space into places for slowing down, meeting, work and play. New Kensington Community Development Corporation is Urban Studio's community partner for our first projects.

If you would like to learn more about these projects, provide resource support, volunteer or you have a project that needs design support please contact Urban Studio Program Director Andrew Dahlgren at andrew.dahlgren@gmail.com.

Urban Studio collaborates with Philadelphia communities to develop new processes; creating solutions for sustainable urban living by engaging with coalitions of motivated individuals and groups in projects relevant to community issues. The Urban Studio is a multidisciplinary design studio that is staffed by professional designers, artists, green technology innovators, and business people who direct and manage projects through both design development and implementation.