A Clean Break Explores Sustainable Prefab Dwellings

In October a vacant lot on Broad Street will become a pop-up neighborhood with full-scale modern, sustainable and affordable homes designed by architects. In conjunction with DesignPhiladelphia and National Design Week 2008, the exhibition of modular and prefabricated homes will be on view to the public from October 17th to 30th at 313 South Broad at Spruce Street, with an opening on Oct 16th from 7:00 to 10:00 PM.

The exhibition features innovative design solutions from international architects and designers and addresses issues of urban infill, 21st century development and sustainability. "It is our aim," says Eugenie Perret, owner of the Minima gallery and co-curator of A Clean Break, "to go beyond merely proposing innovative housing solutions, but to provide the opportunity for Philadelphians to experience them firsthand."

A Clean Break will feature three-dimensional structures through which visitors can walk and two-dimensional installations that will inspire viewers. The residential work in the exhibition includes:

WeeHouse, designed by Alchemy Architects of St. Paul, a full-scale modular house made locally by environmentally-sensitive fabricators; on loan from Saturn/General Motors

MiniHome, designed by Sustain Design Studio of Toronto, a full-scale house / "urban RV" with green roof, sustainable materials, and healthy finishes

Habitat Home, commissioned for exhibition and designed by Gans Studio & dArchitects of New York, an installation in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, Philadelphia

Interface Studio Architects of Philadelphia, an installation featuring the 100K House, Sheridan Street Houses & the Hancock Street Modular project

Studio 804, University of Kansas, flatpack installation of prefab work by the celebrated design / build graduate student program

The outdoor exhibition also features urban farming, environmentally-friendly furniture, lighting, transportation, public art and other high-design, low-waste consumer products, including the following:

Grow System commissioned bus shelter by SMIT Studio of Brooklyn, NY

Greensgrow of Philadelphia, Urban farm installation

Inliquid of Philadelphia, outdoor public art installation

Leaning Molds by Maruja Fuentes of Puerto Rico, Outdoor seating installation

Hybrid Car by Saturn

Iannone Design of Philadelphia, Furniture installation

Powercube by Reluminati of Washington, DC, Solar generator to power event facilities

Functional Sculpture by Alchemy Architects, outdoor lighting installation

Philadelphia Bicycle Coalition

"Innovation in design can and should be an option for all Philadelphians regardless of economic status," said co-curator Elizabeth Oliver, "This exhibition promotes 'clean' development - aesthetically and ecologically - and the modern homes displayed here are refreshing, honest, and a true indicator of the future of design."

A Clean Break will be open daily from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM from October 17th through 30th. The exhibition is free and open to the public. Curated by Minima gallery in Old City. Visit www.acleanbreak.org .