Innovation in the design of workspaces is a central tenant of architectural Modernism. Efficiency, technological developments, and even the welfare of workers, impacted the patterns of work and production. In the Philadelphia region—once proudly the “Workshop of the World”—the dramatic changes that reshaped the city and region also reshaped its architecture. This is a body of work that is vibrant in its expression, and yet, remains little known. In a post-pandemic world, workspaces are again in a period of dramatic change, and the question of adapting existing sites are at the forefront of preservation efforts.

Presented in partnership with The Athenaeum of Philadelphia and Docomomo US/Greater Philadelphia, join William Whitaker, Curator of the Architectural Archives at Penn’s Weitzman School of Design, for a lively journey through an architectural heritage that includes the work of well-known architects like Louis I. Kahn, George Nakashima, and Herbert Bayer, along with an array of fascinating sites from across the region.

A self-driving map of significant modern corporate campuses in and around Philadelphia will be distributed to allow participants to see the sites for themselves at their own leisure.

This event is part of Docomomo US Tour Day 2024.

Thursday October 17, 6:00–8:00 pm
The Athenaeum, Philadelphia, PA
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