Penn Senior Thesis, Spring 2012 |
THESIS FOR THE UNDERGRADUATE VISUAL STUDIES PROGRAM, UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
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Completed in May 2012, the year-long project entitled Grounds for Community: The Function of Independent Coffee Shops in an Urban Space included an in-depth analysis of independent coffee shops in Philadelphia as well as the history and tradition of these spaces and their contribution to a successful urban environment.
The written thesis was presented along with a one-night performance event, The Silent Coffee Party. Participants were asked to enter a makeshift coffee shop space in silence, only interacting with others via note pad and posting conversations where they occurred. These notes became a visual representation of the interactive nature of these shops as well as a testament to how we communicate in the modern day.
Remnants and video footage of the event was presented as part of a public gallery exhibition.
The written thesis was presented along with a one-night performance event, The Silent Coffee Party. Participants were asked to enter a makeshift coffee shop space in silence, only interacting with others via note pad and posting conversations where they occurred. These notes became a visual representation of the interactive nature of these shops as well as a testament to how we communicate in the modern day.
Remnants and video footage of the event was presented as part of a public gallery exhibition.