West Virginia University Libraries’ Art in the Libraries Committee selected WVU Professor of Landscape Architecture Judith Wasserman as the 2025 Faculty/Staff Exhibit awardee.
Wasserman received the award for her work, “Activating Urban Space for Health and Movement.” Her project is an innovative, interactive design and sculpture exhibit opening fall 2025 at the WVU Downtown Library in room 1020. The exhibit will invite visitors to engage with creatively designed elements that promote physical activity and wellbeing within urban spaces.
In today’s academic and professional environments, where work and study often involve prolonged periods of sitting, this exhibit will offer a dynamic exploration of how thoughtfully designed public spaces can encourage healthy movement. Through a combination of educational and participatory components, visitors will experience how urban design can inspire physical engagement.
The exhibit will feature three sculptural installations, each intentionally crafted to stimulate movement through stepping, climbing, stretching and other forms of interaction driven by creative interpretation. Alongside the sculptures, informational displays explain the principles behind urban design for movement and health.
Visitors will be encouraged to contribute to the exhibit by photographing themselves or others engaging with the sculptures and sharing their experiences. A designated URL will allow participants to upload their photos and reflections, illustrating inspired motion and play. This crowdsourced collection will be made publicly viewable, fostering a communal dialogue about physical activity, creativity and wellbeing.
By integrating fun, physical engagement and interactive learning, “Activating Urban Space for Health and Movement” not only highlights the health benefits of movement but also celebrates the joy it brings—key factors in reducing stress and enhancing overall wellness.
Wasserman will receive $1,000 in professional development funds and “Activating Urban Space for Health and Movement” will be exhibited in room 1020 at the Downtown Library throughout the 2025-2026 academic year.
Follow Wasserman’s award-winning project and implementation at exhibits.lib.wvu.edu, or by following WVU Libraries on Facebook, Instagram or X.
Draft renderings of " Activating Urban Space for Health and Movement" exhibit.