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Welcome Mat
A New “Welcome Mat” for Harvard University
On Tuesday, April 22, landscape architecture students at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design (GSD) will unveil “Welcome Mat,” a new public design installation in front of the GSD building, Gund Hall at 48 Quincy Street. Through the application of 3,600 square feet of sod and the labor of a dedicated crew of landscape architecture students, the expanse of the portico will be transformed into a living welcome mat, beckoning visitors and passers-by with its curious shock of green visible from the sidewalk and the word “welcome,” which reveals itself as one enters the space. By night, a projected skyscape will illuminate the ceiling of the space.
“Beer & Dogs,” the Graduate School of Design’s version of the time-honored design school happy hour tradition, serves as a fundraising venue for the 2nd year class of the graduate students of landscape architecture. The proceeds from last year have provided the seeds of a design installation conceived and implemented by the 2008 Landscape Architecture class. The students conceived of the project as a graduation gift to the community from the class of 2008 Master of Landscape Architecture program, as well as a challenge to traditional conceptions of open space, parks, and landscape design.
“Welcome Mat” dovetails with three institutional initiatives: President Drew Faust’s aspiration to promote Quincy Street as the “Museum Mile” of Harvard; the Design School’s efforts to cultivate greater awareness of its exhibitions throughout the Harvard Community; and the move to create more outdoor exhibition opportunities at the GSD.
A reception will be held Friday, April 25th at 6:30pm. Weather permitting, the installation will remain in place through Saturday, April 26. Upon removal, all sod will be composted by the University.
For more information, please contact: Emma Thomas 512-294-6299.
The students extend special thanks to those who have helped make this effort a reality: Kevin Cahill (Manager, Building Services, Harvard Design School), Trevor O’Brien (Facilities Manager, Harvard Design School), Hugh Willburn (Head Librarian, Frances Loeb Library), Rob Gogan (Supervisor, Waste Management, Harvard University Operations Services), Wayne Carbone (Manager, Landscape Services, Harvard University Operations Services), and Aron Chang (March I ’09, Harvard Design School).
The MLA 2008 class is: Sarah Carrier, Connie Chang, Danielle Choi, Jerome Chou, Ryan Doone, Christopher Dorr, Radhika Garg, Brendan Harmon, Ming-Jen Hsueh, Filio Iliopoulou, Joo Won Im, Jenny Janis, Simon Martinez, Shi Park, Robyn Perkins, Elizabeth Randall, Anthony Sponzilli, Emma Thomas, Sarah Van Sanden, Gena Wirth
Schedule:
Monday 4/21 Installation begins at midnight
Tuesday 4/22 through Saturday 4/26 “Welcome Mat” on view/open to the public
Friday 4/25 Opening party 6:30 pm
Sunday 4/27 De-installation