Founded in 1986, The Village of Arts & Humanities (the Village) is a community-based nonprofit in North Philadelphia dedicated to supporting youth and their families through free arts and cultural programming that encourages positive self-expression, revitalizes community and preserves black heritage. In the past four decades, the Village has grown into an eclectic campus of more than 15 art parks, studio buildings and numerous rehabilitated homes for local artists. Their urban campus in the Fairhill-Hartranft neighborhood serves as a critical hub for the community to come together, to learn and to bond in a historically marginalized area of the City.
In 2021, SALT Design Studio was commissioned to create a Campus Master Plan for the Village, which involved assessment of existing tree canopy and sculptural mosaic walls, development of new pathways, wayfinding strategies, and rehabilitation and improvement plans for five art parks with a broad range of programming goals. Through a series of robust engagement sessions, SALT learned about The Village history, culture and relationships with neighbors. Based on the powerful stories heard during engagement, SALT developed a “Village Loop” as the central feature which integrates pedestrian circulation, greening, storytelling, art and programming. As a branded visual thread, the Village Loop unites the varying open spaces and buildings into a cohesive and accessible campus. Fundamental to the Master Plan is a flexible ‘kit of parts’ to guide The Village through implementation efforts in a cost-effective, phased process as funding becomes available.
Phase 1 improvements for Angel Park and Meditation Garden combines two formerly separated spaces into one cohesive, multi-purpose public space. New perennial plantings frame and compliment existing murals and sculptures, colorful new seating encourages gathering, and chess tables, log climbers, and berms create opportunities for creative exploration and all-ages play.
Client: The Village of Arts and Humanities
Status: Construction of Phase 1 Completed 2023
Collaborator: Apiary Studio