Class: Architectural Design V
Professor: Ximena Valle
Semester: Summer 2017
Program: Hotel and Theater
Location: Front and Chestnut Streets, Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia, PA
The project brief required a tower that integrates public space with the surrounding urban context and that juxtaposes it with private space. In addition, some of the public space was required to be located above ground level. To meet these requirements, a single surface ribbons through the space, linking the public spaces together while also differentiating them from the private spaces. In addition, the outdoor public spaces blend together with the indoor public spaces. Greenspace becomes somewhat synonymous with public space.
The massing of the tower allows for large views of the Delaware, the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, and the Center City skyline. 160 rooms are available for guests, all of which offer breathtaking views. Atop the tenth floor is a large public space available to local pedestrians as well as tourists. It features a restaurant on the west side of the floor, with views of the Center City skyline, and an outdoor seating area and performance space on the rest of the floor. Because it is located in the cutout of the tower, it draws attention from near and far. The large surface that ribbons through the tower unifies it with the public space below and with the general urban fabric.
Black box theater
Performers’ changing room
Performers’ changing room
Break room
Mechanical room
Loading dock
Theater storage
Tele-data/electrical
Shared pre-function space
Cinema
Parking garage elevator