A Team of Designers Curate Porch: An Architecture of Generosity
Amy Duong — May 10, 2025 — Art & Design
References: romecenter.uark.edu
Susan Chin, Rod Bigelow, and Peter MacKeith worked together to create Porch: An Architecture of Generosity, which is this year's US Pavilion. It was presented at the Venice Architecture Biennale, exploring porches as the archetype of American architecture. It boasts a zigzagged mass-timber canopy that forms a shelter outside of the neoclassical building.
MacKeith explains more about the influence of design: "There are those who may think of the United States as a nation of skyscrapers, or more generally, a nation of private houses. If you look at all those houses and even civic structures too, it is also possible to see we are a nation of porches, which appear consistently across American history. If we are a nation of porches, we are saying we want to be in this in-between space – welcoming the world and going out into the world."
Image Credit: Tim Hursley
MacKeith explains more about the influence of design: "There are those who may think of the United States as a nation of skyscrapers, or more generally, a nation of private houses. If you look at all those houses and even civic structures too, it is also possible to see we are a nation of porches, which appear consistently across American history. If we are a nation of porches, we are saying we want to be in this in-between space – welcoming the world and going out into the world."
Image Credit: Tim Hursley
Trend Themes
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Revival of In-between Spaces — There is a growing trend towards utilizing transitional architectural elements, such as porches, to create community-focused spaces that invite interaction and inclusion.
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Mass-timber Construction — The use of mass-timber in pavilion structures highlights a movement towards sustainable and innovative building materials that can efficiently combine aesthetics with environmental responsibility.
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Architecture of Generosity — Design centered on communal experiences encourages architects to redefine public and private spaces, fostering environments that connect people in meaningful ways.
Industry Implications
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Sustainable Architecture — The incorporation of eco-friendly materials like mass-timber in modern constructions aligns with the industry's push towards reducing carbon footprints and environmental impact.
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Urban Design — The emphasis on porches as community-centric spaces opens new possibilities for urban planners to enhance public engagement and connectivity in cityscapes.
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Cultural Heritage Preservation — Drawing inspiration from historic architectural forms such as porches paves the way for innovative solutions that respect and reinterpret cultural history.
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