storytelling in a community-oriented space that celebrates the life and work of playwright August Wilson

Key Features

Storytelling that demonstrates how place shapes narratives

Graphic, visual and interactive design used as a vehicle for engagement and sharing

A cohesive experience, from arrival to departure, underlie that the place is special and intentional

The Need

The house where the iconic literary artist and playwright August Wilson grew up in Pittsburgh had been derelict for years. Paul Ellis, Wilson’s nephew, saw all the admirers who made the pilgrimage to the playwright’s childhood home and formed the Daisy Wilson Artist Community (DWAC) to embark on a restoration project to create the August Wilson House. One requirement was to create a gathering space for the community that Wilson grew up in and loved. DWAC asked Tessellate to design a simple exhibition program that was mindful of the audience, budget, and schedule.

The Approach

The house itself served as an inspiration to Tessellate’s design of the visuals and digital media, and the experience remained mindful of Wilson’s life, writing, and the community that inspired him. Using simple audiovisual techniques and graphic signage in both the interior and exterior environments, Tessellate seamlessly created a cohesive yet impactful design that was within budget and on schedule.