CASCODE (2024) Philadelphia, PA
CASCODE is a public artwork that uses organic forms, natural materials and data-informed design to represent the intersection of environment, health, community and data, and its collective impact on West Philadelphia residents. Built in conjunction with Amy Gutmann Hall, a new interdisciplinary data engineering and science center at the University of Pennsylvania, the installation measures approximately 60 feet high. CASCODE will be completed and installed in 2024 on the facade of the parking garage adjacent to Gutmann Hall at the northeast corner of 34th and Chestnut Streets.
CASCODE translates hard data into interactive artwork through incorporation of information from a range of sources including in-person design charrettes with community stakeholders, historical research into West Philadelphia, and existing data sets that relate to West Philadelphia. A large part of the CASCODE project’s design includes an online component in which a range of stakeholders — community members, students and faculty occupying Gutmann Hall, and Penn at large — that can respond to engaging prompts that provide data, which will in turn be used to inform CASCODE’s final form.
The installation will be designed to animate the building illustrating the importance of information as an instrument to promote equitable health and compassionate empathy. In all stages of CASCODE’s development and launch, Atlanta-based arts nonprofit Dashboard will manage and produce public programming and engagement activities.
Commissioned by: The University of Pennsylvania/ PHDC, Permanent Public Sculpture Commission
To follow CASCODE’s progress and to get involved, follow @cascode.project on Instagram and visit: http://www.dashboard.us/cascode
CASCODE (2022) concept renderings
