Penn students recently delved into the multifaceted nature of the American lawn through an interdisciplinary nonfiction writing workshop. Drawing insights from fields such as history, veterinary medicine, and biology, participants explored the complex relationship individuals and society have with these ubiquitous green spaces.
The workshop highlighted the diverse perspectives on lawns, as noted by pre-med graduate Claire Zhang. Zhang, who contributed data visualizations examining urban heat, said, "From hearing about my classmates’ pieces, everyone has such a different relationship with lawns. Lawns are riddled with nuance, and that’s what makes them such an interesting subject." This collaborative academic endeavor at Penn Arts & Sciences provided a unique platform for students to uncover the varied cultural, environmental, and historical implications embedded within the concept of the American lawn.