Architecture students from the Weitzman School of Design at the University of Pennsylvania have recently presented their latest projects in a video produced by Dezeen.

This video compilation features work from students in the first, second, and third years, providing insight into how they are tackling current architectural themes—from the design of public spaces to the development of innovative housing concepts.

Applications for the programme’s upcoming fall term are now being accepted.



Weitzman School of Design students present their architecture projects during mid-year reviews

First-year studios focus on building a foundation in architectural thought, guiding students through topics such as the relationship between interior and exterior environments and the societal role of contemporary art institutions.

These projects gradually increase in scale, starting with small objects and expanding to full buildings, establishing essential skills in spatial exploration and design methodologies.

In their second year, students engage in the Urban Housing Studio, which reconsiders traditional approaches to housing design.

The curriculum places a strong emphasis on adaptive reuse, sustainability, maintaining cultural continuity, and recognizing the inherent value in local urban contexts.

Public space is explored as a key element for understanding communal resources and social infrastructure, with students encouraged to invent new approaches to ground, landscape, and thresholds that support active public participation.

A dedicated installation within the architecture department displayed second-year students’ responses to the challenges of housing and public space design.

Through these projects, students examined what defines “publicness” and explored how architectural design can serve both residents and the broader community.

In the third year, option studios broaden the focus to a global perspective, tackling design challenges in cities both in the United States and abroad.

The Department of Architecture at the Weitzman School of Design offers a range of graduate and post-professional degrees in areas including architecture, environmental building design, and robotics.

This year, select projects from the Urban Housing Studio were featured at the Venice Biennale in an exhibition titled Under Pressure: Vacancy, Urgency and the Architecture of Conversion.

Applications for the Master of Architecture 2025 fall term are currently open.

Partnership content

This video was produced by Dezeen in partnership with the University of Pennsylvania. Learn more about Dezeen partnership content here.

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