Diamonds in the Rough

The result of numerous community meetings in North Philadelphia neighborhoods over 2019-2020, The Viaduct was a monumental effort and collaboration between artists and community leaders to turn three heavily-traveled underpasses into safe and vibrant spaces for all. The designs are reflective of the strength and resilience of surrounding neighborhoods and pay homage to the complexity, history and beauty of the community, portrayed in bright, abundant colors to demonstrate the power of accomplishing together what we cannot do alone.

Community Engagement

As part of the design development process artists were asked to host a series of community events in the neighborhood near their assigned underpass mural. These events started in January 2019 and ran through early spring 2020. They ranged from painting large sunflowers and making mosaic pots, to community dinners and a dress-up photoshoot. Events helped artists further engage with the community, collect input, images and stories to help evolve their designs. Photographers Shawn Theodore and John Noble captured the community spirit of these events.

Diamond Street Underpass

Diamonds in the Rough, designed by Andrea Legge of the design firm Legge Lewis Legge, was directly inspired by themes and conversations with members of the community. In particular, two statements stood out: “We are diamonds in the rough,” and “It takes pressure to make a diamond.” The design references an eight-step ‘community building’ plan focusing on the principles of family, spirituality, school, and community. Each theme is illustrated on a different wall of the Diamond/10th Street underpass.