Reimagining Space, Place & Belonging
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.
Any given year, over 10,000 students and 700 student groups access University Life spaces for events, meetings, and community building. University Life feels strongly that the quality and architecture of University spaces has a strong influence on the student experience. It enhances a sense of belonging, promotes community, and removes barriers, real or perceived.
Aligning with University Life’s mission to create more inclusive spaces and places, in the Spring ’22, University of Pennsylvania leadership affirmed the expanded use of the Arts Research and Culture House (ARCH) for the Cultural Resource Centers and affiliated groups. Students and cultural resource center staff, along with University Life and Provost Center leadership initiated a multi-phase planning project with the charge, scope, and deliverables outlined below.
Project Updates
- 10/14/22 The ARCH Steering Committee starts their Phase II planning.
- 9/7/22 The ARCH is officially re-opened! Thank you to everyone who came and supported the grand re-opening celebration.
- 9/1/22 As per the physical aesthetics and enhancement sub-group’s recommendations, the ARCH graphics are installed and ready for the September 7th grand re-opening!
- 8/5/22 CRC staff move into their new office spaces on the 3rd floor. Additional second and third floor offices are re-outfitted as meeting and group study rooms.
- 7/18/22 University architects conduct a walkthrough of the ARCH to determine scope of the initial phases of the project.
- 7/14/22 Restoration team continues repairs to the historic 36th street door reestablishing two, main entrances to main floor of the ARCH.
- 7/12/22 University architects conduct a walkthrough of the ARCH to determine scope of the initial phases of the project.
- 6/30/22 The building & operations sub-group leads an important conversation as to how the reimagined ARCH will be managed from a scheduling, safety, and operational standpoint. The steering committee is updated on a relocation date for the Center for Undergraduate Research to their new temporary home; enabling the spaces to be repurposed for student and CRC use.
- 6/16/22 The physical aesthetics & enhancements sub-group produces a series of vibrant, culturally inclusive recommendations portraying a reimagined ARCH.
- 6/9/22 The space designations sub-group makes recommendations to relocate the cultural resource centers and reimagine physical use of the building.
- 6/2/22 Steering committee sub-groups meet for the first time to begin planning. Great ideas are being shared!
- 5/19/22 ARCH Steering Committee kicks off its first meeting to discuss project scope and develop sub-groups. Sub-groups are: space designations, physical aesthetics and enhancements, and building operation and scheduling.
Progress in Photos
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.
Project Timeline
We are currently at the end of Phase 1 of Reimagining the ARCH. Check back for further updates on Phase II.
Summer '22 | Phase I
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.
Fall '22 | Phase II
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
The ARCH Steering Committee expands their work to include a feasibility study for the adjacent building, 3609-3611 Locust Walk.
ARCH Team
The ARCH is home to several of Penn’s cultural resource centers and affiliated student groups. The shared space allows for academic exploration and meaningful, inclusive relationship building and community engagement across identities.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
La Casa Latina
LCL
Established: 1999
Greenfield Intercultural Center | GIC
Established: 1984
Greenfield Intercultural Center | GIC
Established: 1984
Makuu: The Black Cultural Center | Makuu
Established: 2000
Pan-Asian American Community House | PAACH
Established: 2000
Student Steering Committee & Sub-Groups
The sub-groups highlighted below were created to drive the project forward and make strategic recommendations to the larger steering committee.
Space Designations
Purpose:
Develop a series of recommendations to designate student-centered gathering, administrative, and academic space within the ARCH.
Physical Aesthetics & Enhancements
Purpose:
Develop a series of recommendations outlining the visual elements within the ARCH that contribute to an inclusive, vibrant student-centered environment.
Building Operations & Scheduling
Purpose:
Develop a series of recommendations outlining the operational procedures for the ARCH, including space & event management and academic/non-academic use.
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.