Reimagining the Arts Research and Culture House (ARCH)

University Life is committed to the vision of creating inclusive campus spaces and places; physical spaces designed to promote a sense of belonging, accessibility, and inclusion from a social and cultural perspective.

Project Updates

Engage with Our Community​

The Cultural Resource Centers host and sponsor events through out the year at the ARCH. Events are updated daily, so check back often!

Hours of Operation

8 am - 12 am
Monday - Sunday 

"In all of our spaces, we are making sure to consider the needs of our undergraduate and graduate students, both in terms of formal programmatic use and their needs for interaction and building relationships across identities. We continually strive to ensure student spaces are culturally responsive and supportive of social, academic, spiritual, intellectual, and environmental wellness."
Laurie Hall outside on campus copy
Laurie A. Hall
Assistant Vice Provost of Strategic Planning & Operations, University Life

Reimagining Space, Place & Belonging

Stay tuned for real time updates as the ARCH continues to be reimagined.

Architectural Renderings

The architectural renderings give a visual representation of how the ARCH will change and adapt as we continue to move into Phases II & III.

Art at the ARCH

Currently, the ARCH is featuring Monolith Arts Program – Penn’s Black Visual Arts Collective.

If you would like to participate or have your work considered for display, please fill out our feedback survey.

A History of Creating Community

We’re thrilled to be reimagining space, place, and belonging within the ARCH. Here’s a snapshot of the community we’ve built thus far.

Summer '22 | Phase I

  • June - August

Committee Sub-Groups provide recommendations for ARCH aesthetics, operational procedures, and space designations.

 

ARCH undergoes initial structural changes including relocating cultural resource centers, minor aesthetic changes, and demolition.

June - August
September - December

Fall '22 | Phase II

  • September - December

Minor aesthetic and physical changes continue, primarily on the ARCH 1st Floor.

 

ARCH Planning Committee enters study phase to determine future operational and structural needs for the building.

Spring '23 | Phase III

  • January - May

The ARCH Steering Committee expands their work to include a feasibility study for the adjacent building, 3609-3611 Locust Walk.

January - May
Will Atkins stands outside on Penn's campus
Will Atkins, Ph.D. he/him
Associate Vice Provost
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging


Krista Cortes outside of campus
Krista Cortes, Ph.D. she/they
Director
La Casa Latina
LCL

Established: 1999
Valerie De Cruz on Penn's campus
Valerie De Cruz she/her
Director
Greenfield Intercultural Center
GIC

Established: 1984
Toyce Holmes
Toyce Holmes she/her
FGLI Program Coordinator
Greenfield Intercultural Center
GIC

Established: 1984
Brian Peterson in front of a colorful mural
Brian Peterson, Ph.D. he/him
Director
Makuu: The Black Cultural Center
Makuu

Established: 2000

A sincere thank you to the ARCH Steering Committee student representatives

Adeoluwa Fatukasi, C’23
Alexander Eapen, C’24
Ashley Uppani, C’24
Atinuke Aliu, C’25
Camila Irabien, C’24
Carson Sheumaker, C’23
Claire Sun, C’25
Corina Henke, C’25
Diana Mota, C’25
Elizabeth Ramos, C’25
Grace Edwards, C’25
Jessica Thomas, C’25
Lihame Arouna, C’25
Oumy Diasse, C’24
Paola Camacho, C’24
Ryly Ziese, WH’25
Salvador Galvez Jr., NURS’25
Sheil Desai, C’25
Skyler Cheung, ENG ‘25
Sydney Simon, C’25
Taryn Flaherty, C’25
Tristan Fajardo, C’24

We want your feedback!

This form is available for Penn community members to provide suggestions and/or feedback pertaining to the physical aesthetics, usage, and/or operations of the ARCH building.