tony ward studio Archives - Page 2 of 6

Anna Griffiths: Aftermath

Posted on April 18, 2015 by Anna Griffith

Philadelphia, once the ‘Workshop of the World’, has always been of huge economic importance to the United States. Its influence in global financial and industrial markets made it the third most prominent city in the British Empire in the late eighteenth century and this world prominence has remained until today. It is now the fifth largest metropolitan city in the United States.

It is no surprise that due to Philadelphia’s global importance, it surely would have been affected severely by the Great Recession. However Philadelphia was in fact one of the few cities to not be heavily impacted by the economic downturn. Or so they claim…

With announcements of rising strength in the US economy in the recent year, it seems that the effects of this recession should be starting to alleviate, especially in cities like Philadelphia, that were not as deeply affected. However, walking around some of the busiest streets in Philadelphia indicates the impacts are still very apparent.

I am relatively new to this city, and it really struck me how, even five years on, the recession has still left its mark all over the city.

There are an estimated 2,200 pedestrians per hour on the 1300 block of Market Street, the 1600 block of Chestnut Street and the 1700 block of Walnut Street. In other emerging retail areas, counts range from 1,100 to 1,700 pedestrians per hour. It is difficult to imagine how retail could possibly die out in the light of these statistics.

But in the past five years Philly has seen hundreds of shop closures – businesses that finally lost their battle with the downturn. Whilst the economy may be getting back on its feet, with falling unemployment, and indeed expanding infrastructure all over the city, the long term impacts from the recent recession has left a scar o the streets of Philadelphia which no one can ignore.

About the Author: Anna Griffiths is a junior exchange student from Scotland enrolled in the College of the University of Pennsylvania.

TWS: New Poster Added to Store

MaryRose Croddick: Franklin Field

Posted on April 13, 2015 by MaryRose Croddick

Franklin Field is one of the most historic athletic arenas in all of college sports. The field dates back all the way to 1895 when it was built for the viewing of the Penn Relays. The relays are still held there to this day and it is one of the only times that the entire stadium is filled. Franklin field was also formerly the home of the NFL team the Philadelphia Eagles, and is now used by the university for varsity track, football, and lacrosse competitions and practices, and also the site of Penn’s Spring Fling concert and Commencement ceremonies.

Formally, Franklin Field is an intimidating structure. It’s colossal walls tower over the everyday passerby. On the inside the stands stretch up endlessly into the sky reducing the players down on the turf into mere ants. From the top of the stands there are beautiful views of the entire city creating an interesting juxtaposition of modern skyscrapers to this old brick amphitheater.

The stadium’s daunting composition parallels the fierce competitors that take its field. Personally, I have had the unique privilege of competing in this legendary arena. For the first two years of my Penn career I played in Franklin Field as a member of the Penn Field Hockey team. I can distinctly remember the feeling of stepping out onto that turf for the first time– in a colossal stadium, under the lights, wearing my Penn uniform: it was an atmosphere like no other. I have left my blood, sweat, and tears out on that field like all those athletes that came before me, and all those yet to come.

This historic athletic site has seen both triumphant wins and devastating losses throughout its time. Franklin Field has been a home for the competitive spirit of all different types and levels of athletes for over a century. Throughout the stadium there are plaques and statues commemorating the truly excellent athletes that once played in this arena. Chuck Bednarik, ED’49, was one of the all time greats in football history. After playing for Penn and earning All American recognition three times over he went on to play in NFL for the Eagles. Sadly he passed away recently at 89 and his statue that stands in the western pavilion of the stadium has been honored with flowers and a Penn scarf.

Franklin Field has an incredibly rich athletic history. Having hosted some of the world’s greatest athletes during the Penn Relays, to professional football players, to collegiate competitors, to some of the cutest second grade soccer players for summer camp– it’s walls have really seen it all. But at the end of the day, when contestants have all gone home and there is not a spectator left in the stands, this historic building remains waiting for the next event to fill its seats and its atmosphere with the spirit of competition once again.

About the Author: About The Author: MaryRose Croddick is a senior enrolled in the College of the University of Pennsylvania, Class of 2015.

Elizabeth Ames: Tabernacle

Posted on April , 13, 2015 by Elizabeth Ames

Tabernacle United Church of Christ is located in a beautiful building on the corner of 37th and Chestnut streets, Philadelphia. The building is incredibly old; construction on it was completed in 1884. The structure is everything one would expect from a 19th century church: weathered, grey stone; spires spiking the sky; tall gothic towers; stained glass windows; ornate gates; and countless arches. It simultaneously commands attention from passerby while somehow fitting into the modern, urban setting that encompasses it.

At a glance, the church looks like a castle that belongs in a far away place. But the small details show how the city has changed it. Flags and banners touting against racism and prejudice hang from the front of the building. There are security cameras over every door, and electric lights are drilled into the outside walls. Dingy trash cans hide in the shadows. A harsh black fence blocks the back of the building from the alleyway. The inside is dark and dusty, but through the ornate windows, skyscrapers can be seen. The church has slowly morphed into a representation of life in today’s world.

The juxtaposition of old and new is what makes the building so intriguing. It truly tells the story of the building from when it was first built in up-and-coming Philadelphia to present day. Looking at the security cameras and lights, you can see the compromise between the need for security and the desire to maintain the beauty of the structure. The facade has become a stunning platform for justice in the modern activist world. Today, the building shows that it is not simply a house for a church, but an adoptive landmark that will be a part of University City for many years to come.

About the Author: Elizabeth Ames is a senior enrolled in the College of the University of Pennsylvania, Class of 2015.

Jinxiang Wu: Miami and Key West

Posted on April 9, 2015 by Jinxiang Wu

Miami is an incredibly diverse and multicultural city. I had the chance to travel to Miami recently to witness the beautiful scenery and I realized how gorgeous the place is.

The clear blue water and the white sand beach is a must-see. Under the warm spring sunshine, the waves are lapping at your feet and you can relax on an endless expanse of beautiful white sand. The colorful and unique stands used by Miami Beach’s lifeguards is a unique aesthetic attribute of South Beach. South Beach is also a major entertainment destination with lots of nightclubs and boutiques. The streets are ablaze with lights in the evening, and there is an extraordinary excitement in the air that attracts thousands of people.

South beach is one of the most picturesque spots in Miami. Beautiful beaches and popular nightlife comes together in just a few blocks.

Little Havana is also a very well known place to visit. From my perspective, the best characteristic of Miami is it’s Cuban food. Whether you’re looking for a gourmet meal prepared by an internationally esteemed chef or a cheap but authentic meal prepared at a hole in the wall, the Cuban food of Little Havana is one of the best and tastiest parts.

Key West is Florida’s southernmost subtropical paradise, a unique confluence of history, climate, natural beauty and cultural diversity. The main attraction in Key West is a natural one – the sunsets. While you wait for the brilliant orange sun to sink into the sea, street performers of every type abound, you will find a beautiful landscape is complemented by a beautiful artist performance.

Miami and Key West. It was a trip I have been dreaming of. I will go back soon no doubt.

About the Author: Jinxiang Wu is a graduate student enrolled in the MLA program with a Cinema Studies concentration at the University of Pennsylvania.