Can a place be happy? Absolutely! Otherwise, why would anyone go on vacation?
Professor Eric Zillmer asked students to reflect on their time on Drexel’s campus and in Philadelphia and select ONE spot in the city that brings them joy when they visit. The students needed to consider a place that aligns with psychologist Abraham Maslow’s theory on the hierarchy of needs. Consequently, a happy place should feel safe, offer a space to be alone or connect with others and provide a sense of belonging. Students may also discover inner fulfillment in their happy place … in other words, happiness.
From the 243 submissions, the Happiness Lab team of faculty and students selected 28 happy places.
While there were several expected happy spots, such as the Philadelphia Zoo, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Rittenhouse Square, there were also unique submissions, like the Cat Park, Maison Sweet and Mango Mango. The happy places on campus included Drexel Park, The Happiness Lab (located at the Greenhouse at Stratton Hall) and Lancaster Walk.
The exhibit -- which was on display in the W. W. Hagerty Library from May 30 - Nov. 30, 202 - featured an assignment from PSY 101 General Psychology (Winter 2024-25). Prof. Eric Zillmer asked students to select a spot in the city that brings them happiness—and visit Philadelphia Revealed, an exhibition from the Atwater Kent Collection. The Philadelphia Challenge presents students’ reflections on objects from this history collection, interactive elements, and a Happiness Map display by the Happiness Lab at Drexel. It introduces the concept of urban citizenship, a vital component of personal happiness and wellness that fosters a sense of connection to a place, such as our campus and city.
Acknowledgment: The Happiness Lab team of students working on The Philadelphia Challenge project includes Amanda Moore (senior research coordinator; BS psychology '25), Shriya Prakash (student research assistant; Conestoga High School Elective Program), and Serena Woo (graphic designer; BS product design ’27).
The Philadelphia Challenge Happiness Map
Can a place be happy? Absolutely! Otherwise, why would anyone go on vacation? Psychology students were asked to reflect on their time at Drexel’s campus and in Philadelphia by selecting ONE spot in the city that brings them joy when they visit. From the 243 submissions, the Happiness Lab team of faculty and students chose 28 happy places, which are currently displayed in an exhibit at Hagerty Library.
Happiness Field Trip to the Atwater Kent Collection at Drexel
To explore Philadelphia’s past and its impact on the present and future, students were asked to embark on an experiential field trip to the Atwater Kent Collection at Drexel. Philadelphia Revealed: Unpacking the Attic was a large, interactive exhibit featuring hundreds of authentic objects that tell the story of Philadelphia’s 350 years of history. The students’ role was to engage with the artifacts: Choose one item that appeals to them to understand the significance it may hold in Philadelphia’s past. There is no right or wrong answer; close your eyes and imagine … they were told.
