COMMUNITY CENTER

arch 106 (studio 3b)

Located in a neighborhood of Philadelphia with no distinct identity, the site facilitates two levels of access, on-grade from Sansom Street and from the Walnut and Chestnut Street bridges. Taking advantage of its frontage to the Schuylkill River, the design seizes the opportunity to connect to the Riverwalk, integrating a once isolated site into the city. The community center is designed to become a focal point for the neighborhood, acting as a catalyst for rejuvenation of the surrounding area through its approach to connectivity and design.

An urban landscape traverses the plinth of community center creating an urban park for those inside and outside the neighborhood. In addition to public space, the plinth contains two levels of parking as well as a grocery store that fronts 24th Street. The plinth can be understood to be a landform that supports the architecture above, additional public space and connectivity and provides needed amenities to the community. Two forms are situated on top of the plinth which contain the program of the community center. Framing throughout guides circulation as well as implements forced perspective.

Along with the new community center, Sansom Street between 23rd Street and 24th Street was designed using the principles of woonerf creating a greater pedestrian control of the street.