A new art installation is taking on water.
Mural Arts Philadelphia, in collaboration with Bartram’s Garden in Southwest Philly, unveiled plans to begin construction on a 75-foot-wide floating structure that will become a permanent river access point on the Tidal Schuylkill River bordering South Philly.
The new project is called FloatLab and was designed by renowned artist J. Meejin Yoon and Höweler + Yoon Architecture. Construction will begin this year and is expected to open in 2026.
“FloatLab will be a revolutionary platform that redefines how our community interacts with the Schuylkill River,” stated Jane Golden, executive director of Mural Arts Philadelphia. “But it’s more than just a piece of art; it’s going to be a space where people can connect with the water and each other.
The structure is expected to draw individuals and groups to the river, offering a space to learn, reflect and find inspiration.
“By offering new perspectives and fostering a deeper connection with our ecosystem it will serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of accessible public art and environmental stewardship,” Golden said. “This project will bring people together, inspire creativity and provide invaluable educational opportunities for all Philadelphians.”
FloatLab’s circular design will provide a 360-degree view of the river and its surroundings. It will allow visitors to take in both the residential and industrial landscapes of the city, offering opportunities to witness the intersection of urban and natural environments.
FloatLab is also expected to serve multiple purposes, including as a classroom, stage, gallery, fishing spot and kayak launch.
“FloatLab is a convergence of art, architecture and nature,” stated Yoon. “This project is about creating moments of wonder and connection where the everyday experience of the river becomes extraordinary. Mural Arts and Bartram’s Garden have been wonderful stewards of this work, allowing it to be a canvas for community expression, a laboratory for ecological exploration and a gateway to a deeper understanding of our urban waterways.”
Yoon and Höweler + Yoon Architecture has garnered international recognition for a wide range of built work. Her design work and research typically investigate the intersections between architecture, technology and public space. Yoon’s work has been exhibited at MoMA, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art, the Vitra Design Museum and the National Art Center in Japan.
Yoon received the US Artist Award in Architecture and Design, the Rome Prize in Design and the World Cultural Council Leonardo da Vinci World Award of Arts. In 2021, Yoon was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
In Southwest Philly, FloatLab is the latest example of Mural Arts’ and Bartram’s Garden’s commitment to safe and equitable river access. FloatLab is also expected to host various free and low-cost programs, from fishing and boating to art workshops, while serving as a venue for educational performances, exhibitions and community engagement.
“Bartram’s Garden is many things to many people, so it’s only fitting a participatory public art project like FloatLab be here along the riverfront to be many things to our community,” stated Maitreyi Roy, executive director of Bartram’s Garden. “This installation is not just an art piece but a vital community resource where people of all ages and backgrounds are welcome. This project is the result of many years in the making. We look forward to breaking ground on this project in the coming weeks.”
