MANAYUNK

Students from Thomas Jefferson University’s landscape architecture program will exhibit their work from a local project at Manayunk Development Corporation’s welcome center in April.

The exhibition stems from a semester-long undergraduate studio design course which introduced students to core landscape architectural values and strategies, emphasizing natural systems, human needs, and community value.

Their mission was to envision the transformation of a two-football-field-sized area of Manayunk’s riverfront into a public nature-based park. It was inspired by Manayunk’s vibrant local community along the Schuylkill River, says adjunct professor Richard Newton.

"The students' nature-based and community-driven designs offer valuable lessons in enhancing habitat and ecological connectivity, improving access to the Schuylkill River, managing stormwater run-off, environmental stewardship, and fostering community engagement," Newton explains.

Within the College of Architecture and the Built Environment, Jeffersons landscape-architecture program focuses on community engagement, human and environmental health recognizing the interdependence, and reciprocity between humans and their natural environment.

Gwen McCauley, director of the MDC, attended the students' final project review in December and suggested displaying it in the neighborhood.

"Together with its long history and vibrant social life, the Schuylkill River is one of Manayunk's many great assets. I was impressed by the young design students' innovative ideas for reimagining flood-prone public spaces creating safe, accessible places that embrace the water and enhance community connection," says McCauley. Their work highlights the power of sustainable design and public engagement, and I commend them for their creativity and vision."