WHO WE ARE

High Point Pittsburgh – The Investigation

David Bear, Fellow at Carnegie Mellon University’s STUDIO for Creative Inquiry and former Pittsburgh Post-Gazette travel editor, is directing an investigation into the possibility of designing of a public facility on roof of the U.S. Steel Tower in downtown Pittsburgh.

The STUDIO for Creative Inquiry – Founded in 1989, The STUDIO for Creative Inquiry is a center for experimental enterprises across academic disciplines on the Carnegie Mellon University campus, the community of Pittsburgh, and beyond. The STUDIO’s mission is to support creation and exploration of interdisciplinary projects bringing together the arts, sciences, technology, and the humanities that impact local and global communities. Among other significant accomplishments, a STUDIO project played an important role in the development of the Nine Mile Run Greenway Project, which has transformed Pittsburgh’s eastern neighborhoods.

The High Point Pittsburgh Investigation connects the expertise and insights of an array of architects, engineers, planners, designers in a broad-ranging interdisciplinary effort to address the opportunities and challenges presented in the process of transforming a unique, urban rooftop into a green place of public pride.

The investigative process will involve academic participation, outside professional consultants, and myriad other interested parties. We anticipate conducting project courses at Carnegie Mellon University, invited design focus groups, and an array of broader community building activities.

Various individuals in the Pittsburgh community and civic entities have also participated in aspects of the investigation.  The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy and VisitPittsburgh have adopted statements of support and participated in the investigation.

To build a broad base of community involvement and support for the on-going investigation, we will conduct various analyses, assessment, and demonstration projects; develop and conduct design focus groups and other classes/projects to address issues as they arrise; coordinate public outreach efforts; produce a video project summary; prepare a final recommendation report; and foster the creation of Friends of High Point, a separate, organizational entity to oversee the actual development, organization, process management, and eventual ownership of any resulting facility.

The High Point Pittsburgh Investigation has received funding support from the Heinz Endowments, the Sprout Fund, the Open Door Art Fund of the Pittsburgh Foundation, and a generous grant in memory of Ann Kalla.

Donations to help further the High Point Pittsburgh Investigation are gratefully appreciated.  Here’s how to contribute.

For more information, contact us at highpointpark@cmu.edu

Or follow our efforts on FACEBOOK : High Point Park Investigation

High Point Pittsburgh Investigation team

Carnegie Mellon University original participants

  1. David Bear: Fellow – STUDIO for Creative Inquiry
  2. Daniel Nagin: University Professor – Heinz College
  3. Bob Bingham: Professor – College of Fine Arts
  4. Christine Mondor: Assistant Professor – School of Architecture
  5. Matthew Dooley: Adjunct Professor – Heinz College

STUDIO for Creative Inquiry participants

  1. Golan Levin: Director and Associate Professor, School of Art, College of Fine Arts
  2. Margaret Myers: Associate Director
  3. Amisha Gadani
  4. Riley Harmon

External participants

  1. Ray Werner – Creative Consultant
  2. Jim Rogal – Century Communication
  3. Jamie Clemente – McKamish
  4. Rebecca Moeller – R. Moeller and Associates
  5. Lynne Glover – Visitpittsburgh
  6. Susan Rademacher – Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy
  7. Todd Poole – 4Ward Planning
  8. Edward Dumont – Architectural Illustrator