Penn launches new MSD program in Property Development and Design for practicing architects and designers Penn launches new MSD program in Property Development and Design for practicing architects and designers The Weitzman School’s MSD-PDD degree is a new post-professional program tailored for architects, landscape architects, and planners looking to lead in the fast-evolving real estate development sector. It expands on the School’s Real Estate Design and Development Certificate to offer a more immersive academic experience and robust credential.
Frank Chen: Mapping smarter tree placement in Philadelphia nocred Frank Chen: Mapping smarter tree placement in Philadelphia Graduate student Frank Chen provides insight into his project to find the best spots to plant street trees and optimize shade coverage for pedestrians in Philadelphia. 3 min. read
A survey of summer construction progress across campus nocred A survey of summer construction progress across campus Ahead of Move-In and the start of a new academic year, construction teams mark milestones in vital renovations and maintenance across the University. 5 min. read
Eugenie Birch honored with Regional Plan Association Above and Beyond Award Eugenie Birch honored with Regional Plan Association Above and Beyond Award Eugenie Birch, Lawrence C. Nussdorf Professor of Urban Research and Education in the Department of City and Regional Planning and co-director of Penn’s Institute for Urban Research, has been selected to receive the Above and Beyond Award from the Regional Plan Association (RPA) for her contributions to urban planning policy and longstanding service to the RPA.
The global threat of salt contamination to water supplies Image: Oleg Kovtun via Getty Images The global threat of salt contamination to water supplies Research from Weitzman’s Allison Lassiter and an international team of researchers highlights how a combination of climate change impacts and localized human activities are intensifying the increase in salt in vital freshwater sources. 2 min. read
Lynn Meskell elected Fellow to the British Academy Meskell is the Richard D. Green Penn Integrates Knowledge University Professor with joint appointments in the School of Arts & Sciences, the Weitzman School of Design, and the Penn Museum.nocred Lynn Meskell elected Fellow to the British Academy The honor recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to the humanities and social sciences. 3 min. read
Exploring China’s rural landscapes up close Exploring China’s rural landscapes up close Now in its second year, the Weitzman School’s SEU-Penn Exchange Program partnered with Southeast University in Nanjing, China to examine the future of rural villages and their relationships to the cities through an immersive exchange program and symposium on the theme of “Innovative Rural-scape.”
Penn students and alumni awarded Fulbright 2025-26 U.S. Student Program grants The 17 Penn students and alumni who have been offered 2025-26 Fulbright U.S. Student Program grants are (from left) (top row) Emily R. Antrilli, Leo Biehl, Emmie Chacker, Claire Elliot, Zane Grenoble, and Arielle Hardy; (center row) Theresa Haupt, Timothy Lie, Paul Lin, Henry McDaniel, and Nova Meng; (bottom row) Aleena Parenti, Rajat Ramesh, Elan Roth, Emma Steinheimer, Rachel Swym, and Teresa Xie. Not pictured: Anjalee Bhuyan and Margaret Gerhart.(Images: Courtesy of the Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships) Penn students and alumni awarded Fulbright 2025-26 U.S. Student Program grants As of early July, 19 Penn students and alumni have been offered Fulbright U.S. Student Program grants for the 2025-26 academic year. They will conduct research, pursue graduate degrees, or teach English in more than a dozen countries. 5 min. read
Weitzman faculty earn ASLA Honors Weitzman faculty earn ASLA Honors Weitzman School of Design dean and Paley Professor Fritz Steiner, and associate professor of landscape architecture Christopher Marcinkoski are among the individuals and firms selected by the board of trustees of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) for its 2025 Honors, the highest recognition ASLA bestows each year.
Designing cleaner, greener concrete The Polyhedral Structures Laboratory is housed at the Pennovation Center and brings together designers, engineers, and computer scientists to reimagine the built world. Using graphic statics, a method where forces are mapped as lines, they design forms that balance compression and tension. These result in structures that use far fewer materials while remaining strong and efficient.(Image: Eric Sucar) Designing cleaner, greener concrete Penn engineers, materials scientists, and designers have developed a 3D-printed concrete solution based on diatomaceous earth that has enhanced carbon capture, is stronger, and uses fewer materials like cement. 6 min. read