August Wilson House Site
Team: Studio for Spatial Practice (LA of Record), Pfaffmann + Associates, Hood Design, Clearstory
Client: Daisy Wilson Artist Community
Location: Pittsburgh, PA Date : 2018-2022
SfSP partnered with Pfaffmann + Associates to restore and reimagine August’s childhood home as an interpretive exhibition space set in a functional landscape providing an interpretive walk, informal amphitheater seating, a multi-purpose rear yard event space along with native and pollinator plantings.
This multi-functional landscape design additionally integrates staging & performance areas, interpretive gardens, and terraces supporting August Wilson’s rich legacy. The flexibility of the site allows for the production of culturally compelling community programs reflecting black arts tradition and aesthetics while encouraging artists and scholars to develop works within the Hill District.
Street elevation showing sandstone seat walls at entry and side yard. Boardwalk lines perimeter allowing for an accessible entrance to rear yard.
Aerial view of site during a performance in the rear yard with downtown Pittsburgh in the distance.
Aerial view into site showing sandstone amphitheater walls, perimeter boardwalk, and tree bosque. Concrete path denotes historic lot line.
Nighttime view into side yard showing tree bosque, perimeter boardwalk, and sandstone seat and amphitheater walls
Aerial view looking into rear yard during an evening performance. Light and sound poles integrated into the fence allow for flexibility in event layout
Photo collage showing perimeter boardwalk and amphitheater
Early rendering of site
Early rendering of site