Yes, your grandparents’ kitchen counter was probably made from Corian. But, as Philadelphia found out last fall during DesignPhiladelphia 2009, the material can also be used to make really cool benches. As part of the citywide design fest, C.H. Briggs and DuPont Corian challenged local designers to play with the material and to imagine different shapes and forms to adorn the streetscape. Then they chose 14 of the designs to go ahead and manufacture. You can see some of them scattered around the city in this blog post.
After the benches had their days in the sun, CH Briggs decided to donate them to different organizations around the city, including Spells; CHAD, the Charter High School for Architecture + Design; KIPP Philadelphia Schools; and Spells Writing Lab’s program partner, Young Scholars Charter School. Ours was delivered last week by a crew from West Chester–based MacLaren Fabrication, Inc. They rolled the bench up Alder Street and into the courtyard next to the Spells building. Then they pushed the bench uphill—a major feat as it weighs around 800 pounds, thanks to a steel skeleton!
Spells’ bench is called “Span,” and it was designed by Chris Dawson of LSC Design, based in York, Pennsylvania. We think it looks like something between a cresting wave and bleachers. What do you think it looks like? We can’t wait to hear and read what Spells’ kids think of the inspiring new addition to our outdoor space. Thank you, C.H. Briggs and DuPont Corian!
Spells Writing Day Camp
5 sessions, July 6 to August 6
9 a.m. to noon
Spells Writing Lab
2526 N. Alder Street, Philly
Because these day camp weeks are FREE, the space is limited and expected to go fast, so please sign up your child soon, or at least indicate your interest to write@phillyspells.org or 267-670-0869!
Painting a Picture with Words—and Pictures!
July 6–July 9
If you find yourself doodling in the margins of your writing, you’ll love our comics writing workshop. We’ll read comics and graphic novels, then work together to create comics of our own!
Think Paws-itive!
July 12–July 16
Calling all animal lovers! In this workshop, students will draw inspiration from animals who have been rescued. After meeting with a variety of pets—from a frisbee dog champion to a rehabilitated therapy dog—we’ll write about them and for them! (Note: all students will be required to have an animal waiver signed by a parent or guardian before participating in this workshop.)
Stretching Your Sports Writing Muscles
July 19–July 23
Batter up! Hut hut! Pens ready! At this workshop, we’ll talk to local sports professional, attend athletic events, and maybe even play a few games ourselves. Get ready to work hard—at writing!
So, A Guy Walks Into a Comedy-Writing Workshop . . .
July 26–July 30
Get ready to laugh at our first-ever comedy-writing workshop. We’ll meet with experienced comedians and learn the tricks to writing and performing punchlines!
Spice Up Your Writing!
August 2–August 6
It’s fun to eat food, but it’s also fun to write about the foods you love! Join Spells as we sample tasty delicacies and learn how to create cookbooks and restaurant reviews!
