Since 1974, The Clay Studio has been one of the world’s leading ceramic arts institutions, providing a unique learning and exhibition environment for diverse audiences. Philadelphia’s early 20th century warehouses provide the language for the building’s simple but expressive façade, connecting the building to the city’s tradition of masonry, manufacturing, and craft. Traditional brickwork elements such as raking and corbelling are reinterpreted at a monumental scale to create a richly textured, undulating façade that is highlighted by vivid shadows throughout the day. Generous windows showcase the wide range of activities taking place within the building. At street-level, pedestrians see into a gallery space, demonstration studio, and retail shop. An emphasis on display continues at the upper stories where the rhythmic and varied windows suggest a “curio cabinet” of activity, revealing artist studios, state-of-the-art prototyping spaces, ceramic studios, and kiln rooms.
Across the façade, textural buff-colored bricks reference the unglazed bisqueware pottery produced after a single kiln firing. This neutral backdrop is punctuated by bright accents of orange glazed bricks marking important public spaces within the building.
Projects
Frances M. Maguire Art Museum - St. Joseph's University
Center For Advanced Technologies - Bucks County CC
PPR Residence Hall - Swarthmore College
Discovery Center - Outward Bound & Audubon
Bigham Leatherberry Wise Place - People's Emergency Center
The Study at University City
Caesar Rodney Hall - University of Delaware
Jefferson School
Greene Street Friends School
Campus Bookstore & Development Office - University of Delaware
Margaret Passmore Trickey Building
300 Rouse
Aqua Foro
Pavilion & Children's Discovery Garden at Sister Cities Park
The Clay Studio
Class of 1986 Fitness and Wellness Center - Princeton University
Intercultural Engagement Center - University of Delaware
Housing Northwest Arkansas
Edible Garden and Classroom - Tyler Arboretum
Tyler School of Art - Temple University
Arts Café Expansion & Renovation - University of Pennsylvania
Gore Capabilities Center
The Cooper
W P Point Event Space & Lodge
Construction Training & Education Center
150 Rouse Boulevard
Library Playspace
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Gettysburg Montessori School
Base Camp Delta
Matchbox - Swarthmore College
Wexler Gallery
The Cove
Delaware History Museum
Yards Brewery
Shallcross Hall - Friends Central School
Bus Shelters
Dogfish Head Brews and Eats
Philadelphia Union Training Facility
The Global Learning Center
201 Rouse Boulevard
351 Rouse Boulevard
Barnegat House
Private Residence
Rural Loft
DIGSAU
340 North 12th Street
Suite 421
Philadelphia, PA 19107
v 215.627.0808

If you would like to be considered for an internship or full-time position, e-mail a cover letter, resume, references and portfolio to employment@digsau.com as one PDF document. Please limit attachments to 2MB. We will respond to you should the appropriate opportunity be available. No phone calls please.