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CORNELL WALL: A LIVING RECORD OF STUDENT EXPRESSION
Community Intervention
Ithaca, New York
Fall 2024 Public Space Elective
Advised by Emma Silverblatt
Partner project with Gina Wei


Student expression has been a defining feature of Cornell’s history, with protests, demonstrations, and artistic interventions shaping the university’s social and political discourse. However, once these moments pass, little remains to commemorate the dialogues that took place. Cornell Wall proposes a dedicated space for public expression—an evolving canvas where students can paint, write, and leave their mark, fostering an ongoing conversation that reflects the university’s dynamic community.

Inspired by precedents like Carnegie Mellon University’s Fence and the University of Michigan’s Rock, Cornell Wall will establish a physical and symbolic site for student voices to be seen and remembered. Located at the intersection of University Avenue and West Avenue—a highly visible and well-trafficked part of campus—the wall will serve as both a monument and an active platform for free expression.

The wall will be maintained by the Cornell Creative Expression Wall Organization (CCEWO), a student-led body overseeing its equitable use. Participation is open to all Cornell students, ensuring that the wall remains a democratic and ever-changing record of campus discourse. Messages must fully cover previous content, maintaining a respectful and inclusive space while allowing each generation of students to contribute. To commemorate the wall’s history, a core sample will be taken every 20 years, preserving the accumulated layers of paint as a tangible artifact of Cornell’s evolving culture.

Beyond serving as a space for artistic and political expression, Cornell Wall will stand as a testament to the university’s commitment to open discourse, creativity, and student agency. By layering voices over time, the wall transforms into an ever-growing archive—an evolving monument that celebrates the power of student expression.



    PROTEST: Student’s right to protest is deeply embedded into Cornell’s history

    AXON: The site is located at one of the busiest junctions on campus


    COLLAGE: Students expressing their right to free speech