Via Philadelphia by Amy Syverson

VIA

philadelphia temple university

landscape architecture senior design studio VI professors stuart appel, fasla & lolly tai, fasla spring 2012

VIA

philadelphia temple university

landscape architecture senior design studio vi professors stuart appel, fasla & lolly tai, fasla spring 2012

This book is dedicated to the life and memory of our friend and colleague, Andrew P. Slot. - Landscape Architecture Senior Design Studio vi

professors

Stuart D. Appel // FASLA, PP Senior Principal of Wells Appel in Philadelphia. Their team of landscape architects restricts their practice to Planning, Landscape Architecture and Urban Design. (http://www. wellsappel.com). Stu is a Registered Landscape Architect, a Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects and Licensed Professional Planner. He received Baccalaureate degrees in Landscape Architecture and Environmental Science from the State University of New York at Syracuse, and a Masters in Business Administration from La Salle University. Stuart has been an Adjunct Professor of Design at Temple and Rutgers University, has served as a design critic and guest lecturer at more than a dozen universities and presented at AIA & ASLA annual meetings.

Lolly Tai // PhD, FASLA Professor at Temple University and a practicing landscape architect whose work is focused on sustainable landscape design. (http:// www.temple.edu/ambler/la-hort/people/faculty-tai.htm). Lollyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experience involves a wide range of landscape architectural design projects of varying scope and scales. She is a Registered Landscape Architect and a Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects. She received a PhD from Heriot-Watt University/Edinburgh College of Art, an MLA from Harvard University, and a BSLA from Cornell University. Lolly is the author of the award winning book, Designing Outdoor Environments for Children. She is a recipient of the Bradford Williams Medal from the American Society of Landscape Architects and the Award of Distinction from the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture.

students // design teams

team i (left to right) David Bilinski Nickia Dixon Marquita Heard Kelsey Stanton Patrick Whealton

team ii Cindy Culp Aaron Karnas Dennis Murphy John Tallon

team iii Felicia DiPietro Matthew Nelson Leah Purdy Amy Syverson

team iv Holly Bonacum Diana Fernandez W. John Keiser III Peter Marotta

VIA

philadelphia temple university

landscape architecture senior design studio vi professors stuart appel, fasla & lolly tai, fasla spring 2012

acknowledgments // a special thanks to all involved design studio and book production team David Bilinski Holly Bonacum Cindy Culp Felicia DiPietro Nickia Dixon Diana Fernandez Marquita Heard Aaron Karnas W. John Keiser III

Peter Marotta Dennis Murphy Matthew Nelson Leah Purdy Kelsey Stanton Amy Syverson John Tallon Patrick Whealton

book production leadership Amy Syverson: Editor, Production Manager and Graphic Direction Matthew Nelson: Editor, Cover Design and Graphic Direction Peter Marotta: Editor, Inventory Coordination and Graphic Direction Patrick Whealton: Editor, Inventory Coordination and Case Study Coordination Cindy Culp: Editor, Case Study Coordination

design studio professors Stuart D. Appel, FASLA, PP Lolly Tai, PhD, FASLA

landscape architecture and horticulture department Pauline Hurley-Kurtz, ASLA: Interim Department Chair, LA/HORT Dept. Temple University Linda Palmarozza: Department Manager, LA/HORT Dept. Temple University

jury critics and lecturers Bart Blatstein: CEO, Tower Investments Brian Flanagan: Department of Commerce, Philadelphia Mark A. Focht: First Deputy Commissioner of Parks and Facilities, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Paul R. Levy: President and CEO, Center City District Laura Spina: City Planner, Philadelphia City Planning Commission Paul VanMeter: Founding member, Viaduct Greene

additional assistance Tim Bortz: Green Start Inc. Bryan Hanes: Principle, Studio Bryan Hanes William Kosman: Artist, 915 Spring Garden Studios Josh Leasky: RLA, Olin Anne Saint Peter: Artist, 915 Spring Garden Studios John Struble: Founding Member of the Reading Viaduct Project Fairmount Neighborhood CDC Spring Garden Neigborhood CDC Brewerytown Neighborhood CDC Callowhill Reading Viaduct NID East Poplar Community Organization Chinatown Neighborhood PCDC

table of contents executive summary ....................................................................... site inventory..................................................................................... context history land use zoning architecture structure hydrology ecology

9 11 12 20 38 48 56 70 82 88

site analysis and concept master plans ...................

104

team i team ii team iii team iv

106 150 184 234

design development

.................................................................. 258

the tunnel ............................................................................................................... 260 Diana Fernandez 260 Amy Syverson 266 Patrick Whealton 272 rodin triangle .................................................................................................... 278 Holly Bonacum Felicia DiPietro Aaron Karnas the cut ..............................................................................................................

278 284 290

the viaduct ....................................................................................................... Dennis Murphy Matthew Nelson Kelsey Stanton John Tallon David Bilinski John Keiser

326 326 332 338 344 350 356

case studies

362

296 Cindy Culp 296 Marquita Heard 302 Leah Purdy 308 broad street connection ................................................................................... 314 Nickia Dixon 314 Peter Marotta 320

......................................................................................

atlanta beltline city deck concrete plant park el parc del cami comtal the high line la promenade plantee landschaftspark duisburg nord sante fe railyard the steelyard s체dgel채nde nature park

364 366 368 370 372 374 376 378 380 382

executive summary // project brief

Via | Philadelphia, a semester long design project, was conducted by Temple Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Senior Landscape Architecture Design Studio in the spring of 2012. The name Via | Philadelphia, branded by the studio early in the design process, alludes to the projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vast potential to provide unobstructed connections above and below 55 city blocks. The project engaged students in the process of urban design through a comprehensive study of the site inventory and analysis, as well as the development of master plans and areas of detailed design concentration. The ultimate goal of Via | Philadelphia was to create a viable linear park along nearly three miles of abandoned railroad right-of-way, including sections at grade, above, and below the Philadelphia street scape, between 30th Street and 9th Street. Design solutions responded to site factors including the diverse needs of six neighborhoods located along the extent of the site, the historic industrial character of the railroad and the spontaneous ecologies that have developed within the neglected corridor. Design considerations included emphasis on green infrastructure, best management practices, and design interventions which enhance the pedestrian experience and create connections to mass transit. As designers faced with the challenge of reimagining the urban environment, we looked first to the existing forms and functions that together create a telling mosaic of city life. Once we began to understand the complexities of this urban fabric, we had the opportunity to envision, create, and contribute to the most promising design potentials. It is our hope that the work presented in this volume is useful to the various stakeholders involved in this potential development project including civic groups, neighborhood associations, government entities and others. - Senior Design Studio vi

photo courtesy of viaductgreene 9

site inventory // existing conditions context history and culture land use zoning architecture structure hydrology ecology

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context // philadelphia

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context // philadelphia Philadelphia is defined by the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers along with the major arterial streets, Broad and Market. The four iconic open spaces, Logan, Rittenhouse, Washington, and Franklin Squares along with Fairmount Park are the current make-up of the major green space in Philadelphia. Via Philadelphia is situated in a manner in which spans a significant portion of the city and offers an opportunity for Philadelphia to expand on its open space with a linear park.

via | philadelphia The site gracefully undulates and cuts through the city ignoring the Philadelphia grid as it exists atgrade, depressed, underground, and above ground for three miles. At its full potential, Via Philadelphia is a three mile long artery offering extraordinary connectivity to and between Center City, diverse neighborhoods, and various cultural attractions either over or under busy streets. Source: viaductgreene.org

“Philadelphia represented prowess in production, the american apex of skill, versatility and diversity in manufacturing.” -Philip B. Scranton historical context To speak of context in Philadelphia is not only to address its physical context, but its historical context as well. Often recognized for its involvement in the American Revolution, rarely is Philadelphia’s great industrial past celebrated. From 1880 to the 1920s, Philadelphia supported manufacturing mills and plants whose diversity in manufactuing processes was virtually unmatched, world-wide. Interwoven in this industrial city

was the use of the railroad line. The Reading Terminal was built in 1893 and combined forty railroads to comprise the Reading Railroad Company, boasting the fastest trains to New York. The rival Pennsylvania Railroad Company attempted to cash-in, in 1884 by building its Schuylkill branch. Both have left the framework for Via | Philadelphia and an opportunity to celebrate railroad and manufacturing history in the city of Philadelphia through this park. Sources: workshopoftheworld.com & philanet.com

fairmount park

site inventory

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context // philadelphia Philadelphia is a city of neighborhoods and destinations, residents and visitors. Each neighborhood has distinct characteristics with specific needs, while various landmarks in the city fulfill the needs of out of town visitors, commuters, and local residents alike. Via | Philadelphia is presented with

the unique opportunity of connecting these aspects of the city through a linear park. Spanning neighborhood lines while existing within close proximity to major landmarks, Via | Philadelphia could be just the thing to connect Philadelphians to Philadelphia.

fairmount park

landmarks // buildings & open space A B C D E F G H I J K L M

philadelphia museum of art perelman annex eakins oval boathouse row eastern state penitentiary 30th street station franklin institute barnes foundation rodin museum logan circle academy of natural sciences the granary community college of philadelphia

districts // neighborhoods art museum brewerytown chinatown fairmount fishtown fitler square loft district

philadelphia inquirer building comcast building love park liberty place one & two rittenhouse square pennsylvania convention center city hall reading terminal market franklin square the piazza at northern liberties independence mall washington square pennâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s landing

Source: CenterCityTeam.com

logan square northern liberties old city rittenhouse square society hill temple university university city

roads // primary broad street market street I-676 vine street I-76 schuylkill expressway I-95 delaware expressway

roads // secondary spring garden street callowhill street benjamin franklin parkway pennsylvania avenue fairmount avenue ridge avenue girard avenue kelly drive

N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

UNIVERSITY CITY

site inventory

TEMPLE UNIVERSITY

FISHTOWN

30th street

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BREWERYTOWN

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NORTHERN LIBERTIES

fairmount avenue a

ART MUSEUM

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LOFT DISTRICT 10th street

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SOCIETY HILL

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context // transit

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source: http://www.septa.org/maps/region/pdf/ccp.pdf

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transit // philadelphia Philadelphia’s public transit, run by SEPTA, is expansive and complex. This map simplifies the network of public transportation with respect to Via | Philadelphia in an attempt to express its close proximity and numerous intersections with SEPTA lines. Public transit is vital for connecting people and places in a large city with little parking. Via | Philadelphia offers a unique opportunity to serve as additional means of connection, or public transit, for the city. The Broad Street subway line runs directly under the site; the regional commuter tracks run directly adjacent to the eastern most portion of the site; Spring Garden bike lanes run directly beneath an overpass created by the site; and numerous bus lines cross over, under, and through Via | Philadelphia. We can use this information moving forward, and begin to see how this park can connect with public transit.

legend subway // broad street line subway // market frankford line bus lines railroad // regional & csx rails bike lanes trolley lines

future plans A photo inventory of the city and Septa’s upcoming initiatives are displayed on the facing page. The new Dilworth Plaza at City Hall will act as a transit gateway for the entrances to Septa’s Broad and Market Street lines along with the city’s trolley lines. Also, proposed Spring Garden Street bike lanes will eventually connect the East Coast Greenway with the Schuylkill River Trail. And lastly, the Septa board approved the purchase of 245 new hybrid buses for the city. Sources: http://www.septa.org/construction/projects/dilworth/index.html http://www.pecpa.org/eastcoastgreenway/spring-garden-street-greenway http://planphilly.com/news/notebook/septa-board-approves-contract-new-buses

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site inventory

transit // future plans

clockwise from top: dilworth plaza septa transit gateway for the broad and market street trolley lines; east coast greenway with the schuylkill river trail connection via the proposed spring garden street greenway; septa board approves purchase of 245 new hybrid buses for the city.

source: http://www.centercityphila.org/life/dilworth_plaza.php & olin partners

sources: planphilly.com & cazort.net/photos/sedgwick-septa-do-not-enter

source: http://www.pecpa.org/eastcoastgreenway/spring-garden-street-greenway

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history // the railway influence To understand the 9th Street & City Branches of the Philadelphia & Reading Railway in the 19th Century is to understand the very origins of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s modern transportation networks, out of which grew a new metropolis stretching from the far western suburbs of Philadelphia to the Jersey shore. Through an understanding of railroad history, it is clear that the rail line spurred the development of light industry in each neighborhood the rails passed through. This

industry helped each neighborhood grow and develop a distinct character. From the warehouses of Callowhill to the infrastructure required to make beer in brewerytown, the railroad made it all possible and shaped the city we see today. This time line highlights a few important events in the life of the railroad that once existed on our site.

1833 Philadelphia and Reading Railroad is established to transport anthracite coal.

December 1890 The cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mayor gives Philadelphia and the Reading Railroad (P&R) permission to construct the Terminal Station at 12th and Market Streets. Construction begins in 1891.

inventory

January 1893

November 1984 P&Râ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Reading terminal opens

February 1893 P&R goes bankrupt and the nation falls into economic recession because of railroad overbuilding and highly risky financing.

P&R and Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) rails are linked with the Center City Commuter connection tunnel

1990 The terminal is brought by the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority. The original train shed becomes the centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s show room and ball room for many events.

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Due to its rich diversity of historical and cultural conditions, Philadelphia is often called a city of neighborhoods. The neighborhoods directly adjacent to Via | Philadelphia are Fairmount, Spring Garden West, Franklintown, Callowhill West and West Poplar (source: the Philadelphia City Planning Commission). Each of these five neighborhoods has a distinct feel, unique cultural influences, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own demographic make up. The potential Via | Philadelphia green space would be heavily influenced by and serve as an amenity for each neighborhood it passes through.

fairmount

callowhill west

spring garden west

west poplar

franklintown

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culture // neighborhood organization study areas

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In order to understand the diverse cultural conditions surrounding the Via | Philadelphia site, we contacted the organizations that represent the neighborhood stakeholders (and the potential future stakeholders of a new park). As these organizations work to influence development and policy decisions that would affect the neighborhood and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s residents, they often work together and over boundaries on important issues. In order to gather the most current and salient information, we spoke directly with residents and community organization leaders about their unique neighborhoods and their hopes for new green space development. This map represents the boundaries of each neighborhood organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s area of influence, and the areas about which they gather data. (sources: brewerytown cdc, fairmount cdc, spring garden cdc, chinatown pcdc, callowhill reading viaduct nid, east poplar co)

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brewerytown community development corporation

philadelphia chinatown development corporation

fairmount community development corporation

callowhill neighborhood improvement district

spring garden community development corporation

west and east poplar community organization

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spring garden

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The neighborhoods represented here surround the Via | Philadelphia site. In studying the area, it was apparent that each neighborhood has a unique history and culture. The community organizations associated with these neighborhoods work to improve their communities in many ways and overlap in several areas, especially along commercial corridors. This study was helpful in understanding the hopes and desires of community members regarding the Via | Philadelphia site. Through this process, we learned the meaning of brotherly love as Philadelphia is truly a city of neighborhoods.

brewerytown

neighborhoods // image inventory

poplar

chinatown

callowhill

inventory

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In the nineteenth century, the south side of Brewerytown (Along Girard Avenue) was lined with the homes of the brewery owners. The east side contained the two-story row homes for workers. Despite the closing of the factories during Prohibition, many of the buildings and the associated service structures survived, giving the Brewerytown neighborhood its own flavor and character. The railroads along the northwest and southwest corners of the district provided access to transportation, which connected the industry to markets outside of the city.

Brewerytown is a residential neighborhood in North West Philadelphia. It is bounded by Cecil B. Moore Avenue on the north, 25th Street to the east, Poplar Street on the south and 33rd Street on the west. The neighborhood population is made up of 95% African American with 4% white, and 1% Asian and Hispanic. Almost 50% of the residents have been living in the area for over 20 years. 60% of these people own their own homes and 35% rent. Thirty percent of the residents live below the poverty line. In 2009, the average median household income in Brewerytown was $29,407.

inventory

culture new housing

CSX line

The Brewerytown neighborhood is mostly comprised of 2-3 story row homes with well crafted brick details, showing the past owners put hard work into their homes. The old breweries and factories that gave the area its name are now being turned into lofts. The train tracks that supplied materials to these places can still be seen in the street. Where block long breweries burned down, new homes have been built (although these new homes aren’t in the neighborhood’s style). The new residents see what older residents have been taking advantage of all this time: the great location. The area is fifteen minutes from central Philadelphia and even closer to Kelly Drive, the Philadelphia Zoo and Fairmount Park. Along 29th Street there is enough density to have a store on almost every corner, and Girard Avenue acts as the commercial corridor for Brewerytown. It has banks, pet stores and clothing stores. Many residents feel that the corridor divides the neighborhood, with the south side of Girard being nicer, cleaner and made up of a more homogenous caucasian population. This area is always bustling. In Brewerytwon, there are many churches and institutions: the community is anchored by Girard College and ends with the Philadelphia Zoo. The Brewerytown CDC is very community driven. The residents have block parties, coat drives, and attend meetings and even zumba classes at the CDC.

brewery beer plant

rowhomes

“There was a time in the sixties and before that you didn’t even have to travel downtown, as the Girard Avenue corridor was packed with stores, shops and even doctors offices”. -Ertha M. (resident)

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William Penn named the neighborhood with high hills â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Fair Mountâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for its gorgeous views of the Schuylkill River. In 1815, Fairmount became the home for the Fairmount Water Works. In 1829, the Eastern Penitentiary opened in Fairmount. Today, the penitentiary is a major tourist attraction that brings people into the neighborhood. In 1855, Lemon Hill Estate was purchased and converted into public land as Fairmount Park. Fairmount park is the largest park that is located throughout the city of Philadelphia. In 1928, the world-class philadelphia Art Museum was relocated from Memorial Hall to its current location looking over the Schuylkill River.

Fairmount is a residential neighborhood in North West Philadelphia. It is bounded by Girard Ave on the north, Corinthian Street on the east, Fairmount Ave on the south, and Pennsylvania Ave on the west. There are 80% whites, 14% African Americans, and 6% Asians and Hispanics in the neighborhood. The median age for this neighborhood is approximately 35 years of age and the largest age group is adult between the ages of 20 and 39 who make up 41% of the population in Fairmount. 13% of the residents live below the poverty line, and this is major concern. In 2009, the average median household income in fairmount is $45,252. There are only 5.2% single mothers.

inventory

culture Fairmount is mostly comprised of 2-3 story row homes. Some homes here are set back from the street, which sets the neighborhood apart from it’s northern neighbor of Brewerytown. This overlap also divides the neighborhood racially and economically, with people of lower incomes concentrated in this “overlap” section. This area wasn’t as affected by white flight in the sixties, so the demographic make up is mostly Caucasian. The neighborhood is close to the Art Museum and very well known for the Eastern State Penitentiary. The main commercial corridor is along Fairmount Ave., with new stores and new development filling in the places that were previously run down. The blocks are quiet, and tree lined and the streets are busy with pedestrians. An active nightlife is maintained when the weather permits and business’ spill out onto the street. There are also outdoor farmers markets and flee markets throughout the milder months.

“We would love the idea of a park going in to the viaduct but our community needs parking and that area seems like a good discreet place to put it right now”.

restaurants

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outdoor space

degraded areas

-cdc worker

eastern state penitentiary

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In 1736, William Penn established a manor named Springettsburg, just north of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s found boundaries, built for Thomas Penn C. This land was transferred from the Penn families to a few publishers that later established Springettsburg into country estates with orchards, meadows, and farms. In 1814, these estates were separated and divided into blocks that followed the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grid. From 1850 to 1876, large tracks of land was purchased and housing was constructed. After the Civil War, the Columbia Railroad was completed in 1834. The electric streetcar replaced the horsedrawn car.

Spring Garden is a residential neighborhood in North Philadelphia it is bounded by Fairmount on the north, Broad street to the East, Vine on the South and Pennsylvania on the west. There are 68.1% whites, 21.4% blacks, and 5.6% Asians making up the neighborhood. The median age for the neighborhood is approximately 37 and the largest age group is adults between 20 and 39 who make up 41 percent of the population. Twenty percent of the residents live below the poverty line this is a real concern. In 2009, the average median household income in Spring Garden was $50,012. The Average household size in Spring Garden is 1.7 people. There are only 4.5% single mothers.

inventory

culture The Spring Garden neighborhood is mostly comprised of 3 story rowhomes that have Victorian details. The homes speak to a time when the area was made up of a wealthier population. The homes were built mostly before 1939 and many of them have small terraced garden plots between the front door and the street. The streets are clean and shaded with older trees. Few areas contained abandoned homes and some of the homes have recently been renovated or redeveloped; some of them being PHA owned affordable housing. These homes all keep the Victorian look because the area is

on the national historic registry. The area is so close to downtown that the southern boundary is debated and sometimes said to extend over to city hall. The area is five minutes from central Philadelphia, The Benjamin Franklin Parkway, The Philadelphia Community College and many other attractions. Fairmount Ave; 21st Street and Pennsylvania Ave; and Spring Garden Street are the commercial cores for this area. The neighborhood supports many churches and institutions. The eastern most block of the neighborhood are most active with people, both walking and biking.

viaduct

community college of philadelphia

row homes

typical street

covenant

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Callowhill was named in honor of William Penn’s second wife Hannah Callowhill Penn. In the 1830’s the Baldwin Locomotive Company built is plant on Buttonwood Street west of Broad Street. Men and their families seeking employment began to settle in Callowhill. In the late 1800’s, Callowhill served as both residential and industrial. Callowhill focused on creating a place for workers to live near their jobs. In 1897, the form of the Callowhill neighborhood was changed dramatically by construction of the City Branch of the Reading Viaduct. The Reading Railroad was required to remove its tracks from street level because of the creation of a new passenger station at 12th and Market Street. The Reading Railroad decided to place the tracks below street level in an open subway (north of Callowhill Street from 20th Street to 13th Street). The construction of the City Branch was complete by 1900. The Reading Railroad also contributed another major feature to Callowhill in the form of the Reading Viaduct, a rail line that ran from the reading Terminal at 12th and Market Street all the way to Reading, Pennsylvania, until 1984.

Callowhill is a residential neighborhood in North Philadelphia. It is bounded by Spring garden on the north, 9th Street to the east, Vine Street on the south, and Broad on the west. There are 80% whites, 14% African Americans, and 6% Asians and Hispanics making the neighborhood. The median age for this neighborhood is approximately 35 years of age and the largest age group is adult between the ages of 20 and 39 who make up 41% of the population in Callowhill. The average household size in Callowhill is 1.8 people. There are only 5.2% single mother.

inventory

culture The Callowhill neighborhood is vastly different from the other neighborhoods along Via | philadelphia. Abandoned factories existing throughout the neighborhood cast large shadows over side walks that lack street trees. The area doesn’t have a pedestrian friendly streetscape. Some of the factories have been turned into lofts and some are used by the homeless, like the “abandomonium”. The Via | Philadelphia right of way runs through the neighborhood, starting at Broad Street and rising up on the viaduct. The viaduct travels over the city and behind buildings. It creates small tunnels over streets. The neighborhood overlaps with Chinatown and they have trouble agreeing on things although they both want to improve the area. There aren’t many children in the neighborhood, with many residents who could be referred to as “urban pioneers”.

“We are excited about the opportunities the viaduct would bring for our neighborhood: green space, children’s play areas, it could really set our area apart”. -cdc worker

the spur

area churches

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catholic school

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In the 1840’s Chinese laborers (mostly men) started migrating to the United States due to the rumored promises of higher wages. The residents of Chinatown aimed to turn Chinatown into a community that could reflect the Chinese culture and welcome new immigrants. In the 1960’s, Vine Street was divided into two separate right of ways in preparation for the constrution of the Vine Street Expressway. By 1966, the community of Chinatown was physically divided by the construction of the Vine street Expressway.

Chinatown is a residential/industrial neighborhood in North Philadelphia. It is bounded by Spring Garden on the north, 8th Street to the east. Filbert Street on the south, and 13th Street on the west. There are 80% Chinese people, 11% whites, and 5% African American and others. The median age for the neighborhood is approximately 35 years of age. The largest age group is young adults between the ages of 24-35, and they make up 20% of the population. Thirteen percent of the residents live below the poverty line this is a real concern. The median income is 13,863 and the average household size 1.8 people. Only five percent of this population are single mothers. Less than half the population has a high school diploma so school or GED programs can help the area. Also a third of this areas population doesn’t speak english well or at all.

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culture The Chinatown neighborhood is comprised of 3-4 story row homes and lower story warehouses. The buildings are made or decorated with Asian influence. The area is very busy because people live and work in the neighborhood and many tourists come to visit. The area is cohesive until it crosses over the Vine Street Expressway to the north. The southern half of Chinatown is very commerce driven, almost every building is a store front and the Chinese heritage is expressed on the street. Most of the street signs are in Chinese and a lot of people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t speak english. This location is in Center City and close to everything However, since the area was split in half, the south end of Chinatown has become a residential and warehouse district which lacks a cohesive feel. Some places are confusing to get to, like the CDC. Nonetheless, there is a lot of new development on the northern side of Chinatown, the newer homes also have some Asian flair. Tenth street is the commercial core along with Spring Garden Street. Across the neighborhood, residents celebrate Chinese holidays and the area has a strong sense of community.

neighborhood entry

church on vine

Coming here is as close to home as Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to get... I can eat what I cant typically find in other parts of the city and speak my language to friends.

typical street

-Lin n. (resident)

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This neighborhood is mostly composed of singlefamily homes. The depression era left many of the houses in poor condition. In the 1930â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, the city demolished these original houses and built the Richard Allen Homes. The Richard Allen Homes was a large public housing project to help revitalize areas in blight. The homes established the character of the Poplar neighborhood. Eventually, due to city budget cuts and poorly planned open space, the homes began to deteriorate and encourage crime. A new housing project, Cambridge Plaza was constructed in 1957. In 2001, the Philadelphia Housing Authority began to construct suburban-style duplexes and single-family homes in this neighborhood.

Poplar is a residential neighborhood in North Philadelphia it is bounded by Fairmount on the north, Broad street to the East, Vine on the South and Pennsylvania on the west. The neighborhood is 15% white, 70% black, 3% Asian, 10% Hispanic , and 2% other. The median age for the neighborhood is approximately 40% and the largest age group is adults between 20 and 39 who make up 41 percent of the population. Twenty percent of the residents live below the poverty line this is a real concern. The area is above Philadelphians average for bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees. The median household income 2009 Spring Garden is $50,012 . The average household size in Spring Garden is 1.7 people. There are only 4.5% single mothers

inventory

culture The Poplar neighborhood exists as a loose collection of mixed developments. The homes, coming from many different time periods do not have a consistent look. The neighborhood is divided into East and West Poplar. The Via | Philadelphia site is actually the dividing line between the jurisdicition of the two Poplar CDCs. Therefore, the viaduct isn’t seen as being under either jurisdiction. The lack of owenership or responsibility for the site is very apparent by the look of the site. Although the area has a lot of vacant land, there are very few abandoned houses or warehouses. Many homes have recently been renovated or redeveloped; some of which are owned by PHA (some of these were built after the Richard Allen projects were torn down). These homes are suburban in style, and in many ways feel out of touch with the city character. Some are even fenced off with shared backyards. The Poplar neighborhood is close to downtown and to the recently re-developed Northern Liberties area, so it too is currently going through a redevelopment phase. The area has many churches and institutions, including the gold domed Ukrainian Catholic Church. Recently, the east section of the neighborhood has been called Northern Liberties West. One resident summed up the recent changes, “I’ve seen this neighborhood change so much over time its been very bad and very good...its just a cycle that all the city goes through” - Agnes 84

Wow! they want to make it into a park I guess that be pretty cool and you could see the skyline... but how would we get up there?

ukrainian catholic dome

housing

-mary n. (resident)

closed school

tunnel at viaduct level

sources: Brewerytown CDC http://brewerytownphilly.org/, Fairmount CDC http:// fairmountcdc.org/, Spring Garden CDC http://springgardencdc.com/, Chinatown PCDC http://chinatown-pcdc.org/, Callowhill Reading Viaduct NID http://www. crvnid.org/, Poplar Community Organizations http://eastpoplarcommunityorganization.org/ 37

land use//zoning

VIA

philadelphia

land use // philadelphia

nia

lva

pe e.

Commonly defined as the exploitation of land for agricultural, industrial, residential, recreational, or other purposes. But because the United States historically has a the fairmount laissez-faire attitude connection toward land use, the land has been exploited at will for economic gain. Only in recent decades have Americans realized that land is not a limitless commodity. Increasing population and industrial expansion generated urban sprawl, with thousands of square miles of open space being taken over annually for housing and business. As a result widespread pollution, along with the depletion of water and mineral resources as well as destruction of wilderness and wildlife habitats, have become increasingly severe.

the tunnel be

Land use has been defined as â&#x20AC;&#x153;the arrangements, activities and inputs people undertake in a certain land cover type to produce change or maintain it.â&#x20AC;?

fra

lin

This map depicts the most recent land use study conducted by the City of Philadelphia. Bound by the Schuylkill River and the Delaware River, Via | Philadelphia is a haven of potential upcoming development and is not solely subjected to one type of use. This study is further broken down into the different land uses and zoning requirements within, and around, the selected project.

site inventory

girard ave.

fairmount ave.

broad st.

the viaduct spring garden st.

callowhill st.

rid

the cut

ave .

I-676 vine st.

nts

// legend commercial

institutional

residential

industrial

green space

open space // vacant land

VIA

philadelphia

commercial

girard ave.

fairmount park

fairmount ave.

nia lv a sy

nn pe

broad st.

e. av

art museum

spring garden st.

fra

lin

callowhill st.

rid

ave

I-676

vine st.

nts

land use // commercial The commercial land use on this map illustrates the density of the commercial district in center city. With an abundance of street level food vendors and restaurants on Market Street, office buildings also account for the commercial lots in the southern portion of the map. Another trend that is evident is the concentration of commercial lots encompassing Broad Street. The same trend is highlighted on Girard Avenue. There is a clear absence of commercial lots in the zone around the crotch of the City Branch and Ninth Street Branch.

top: Whole Foods Grocer located on 20th and Callowhill; right: Comcast Center Building located on 17th and JFK Blvd.; bottom left: Rose Tattoo Cafe located on 19th and Callowhill. 42

site inventory

land use // institutional Philadelphia is known for its institutions. The Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Franklin Institute, Eastern State Penitentiary, Girard College and Philadelphia Community College are just a few. The Philadelphia Art Museum and, more broadly, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway is a major destination to the city. There are many institutions along the parkway, yet there is a disconnect on the eastern side of Broad Street near the viaduct.

top: Eastern State Penitentiary located on Fairmount and Corinthian; middle: Philadelphia Art Museum located on the Ben Franklin Parkway; bottom: Community College of Philadelphia located on 17th and Spring Garden.

institutional

girard ave.

fairmount park

fairmount ave.

nia

lva

sy nn

broad st.

e. av

art museum

spring garden st.

fra

lin

callowhill st.

rid

ave

I-676

vine st.

nts

VIA

philadelphia

land use // residential With the ever increasing population growing in the city, the need for residential housing is pertinent among its citizens. The main, and inherently most dense residential anchor is located within the Fairmount District adjacent to Fairmount Park and the Philadelphia Art Museum. The closer proximity to Center City, residential uses become mixed in with commercial usage resulting in accommodations above stores and shopping strips. As shown below, the proposed VIA|philadelphia has many residential buildings adjacent, with the exception of areas located along Noble Street between 17th and 9th Street.

Typical residential town housing located in the Fairmount District

residential

girard ave.

fairmount park

fairmount ave.

pe nia

lva

broad st.

e. av

art museum

spring garden st.

fra

lin

callowhill st.

rid

. ave

I-676

vine st.

nts

site inventory

industrial

girard ave.

fairmount park

fairmount ave.

nia lv a sy

nn pe

broad st.

e. av

art museum

spring garden st.

fra

lin

callowhill st.

rid

ave

I-676

vine st.

nts below: Leftover electrical relics belonging to the substation located atop the existing Reading Viaduct at Callowhill between 12th and 11th Street.

land use // industrial The industrial lots rhythmically dispersed throughout our site are implications of a thriving industrial city that once was. With such a dense concentration of industrial lots to the east of Broad Street, spanning to the Delaware River, the map is illustrating how integral the Reading Viaduct was to the adjacent industries. The absence of industrial lots in the Fairmount neighborhood area is not necessarily a negative aspect due to the noisy association with industry.

VIA

philadelphia

green space

girard ave.

fairmount park

fairmount ave.

nia lv a sy

nn pe

broad st.

e. av

art museum

spring garden st.

fra

lin

callowhill st.

rid

ave

I-676

vine st.

nts

land use // green space Green space in Philadelphia is very isolated. Although vacant lots are seen in the eyes of developers for potential housing/commercial buildings, there should be an emphasis placed on providing green space for neighborhoods as well. Fairmount Park sets the tone for green space to the west. However, the amount of public green space in the east provides nowhere near as much refuge for city dwellers. The Benjamin Franklin Parkway is also favoring the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s green space with Logan Circle, perhaps one of the most iconic spaces in Philadelphia. With a network of open spaces promenading down the parkway, Via | Philadelphia is in a perfect location to harness the momentum from the parkway. Perhaps another opportunity in connecting green space is the opportunity for the Matthias Baldwin Park to be integrated into Via| Philadelphia because it adjoins the rail corridor.

top left: Fairmount Park; top right: Matthias Baldwin Park; bottom right: Field adjacent to Rodin Museum; bottom left: Ben Franklin Parkway.

site inventory

land use // open space and vacant land The open space and vacant land that is represented in this map shows the opportunities for redevelopment within the proximity of Via | Philadelphia. There are key vacant lots directly connected to the site along the 9th street branch. An abandoned bicycle factory presents an excellent opportunity for redevelopment. In addition to the vacant lots near the 9th Street branch, there is also a critical vacant lot that is adjacent to our site at the corner of 18th Street and Callowhill streets. A significant amount of vacancy characterizes the area east of Broad Street.

The largest piece of vacant land Baldwin Park on 18th and Callowhill streets.

located

opposite

Matthias

open space and vacant land

girard ave.

fairmount ave.

ylv

n pe

broad st.

spring garden st.

fra

lin

callowhill st.

rid

ave .

I-676

vine st.

nts

girard ave.

fairmount park

fairmount ave.

t ar

nia

lva

u se

fra

lin

zone 1 //

the fairmount connection

zone 2 // the tunnel

callowhill st.

zone 3 // the cut

broad st.

spring garden st.

rid ave .

I-676

vine st.

zone designations zone 4 //

the viaduct

For the purposes of understanding the site in greater detail, it was necessary to divide it into logical pieces, each being defined primarily by its essential form. This map delineates the boundaries of the four zones that will be used throughout. nts

VIA

philadelphia commercial

institutional

residential

industrial

green space

land use // zone 1

open space // vacant land

girard av

30th st.

nia

lva

25th st.

pe e.

N 0

1000ft.

25th st.

land use // zone 2

fairmount ave.

lva

20th st.

pe nia e.

spring ga

rden st. N

1000ft.

site inventory

land use // zone 3

spring ga

broad st.

15th st.

20th st.

rden st.

fra

lin

callowhil

l st.

vine st.

N 0

1000ft.

spring gard

en st.

10th st.

broad st.

15th st.

land use // zone 4

callowhil

l st. rid ge e.

vine st.

VIA

philadelphia

girard av

30th st.

nia

lva

25th st.

pe e.

N 0

zoning // zone 1

// legend residential

commercial

R15

R12

R16

industrial

R10

R9A

R10A

green space REC

1000ft.

What is Zoning? Zoning is the process in which the municipality assigns specifications on building developments based on appropriate data. This is to protect the public health, welfare, and safety by setting limits for bulk, height, and use controls upon land and buildings. These regulations allow the prevention of congested sidewalks, overcrowding of the land, revocation of excessive population, as well as provide proper uses for designated parcels which allows for future development within the municipality. The ultimate goal of zoning is to avoid problems with incompatible land uses which can arise to due lack of accuracy of data. For example, placing a sports complex in the middle of a residential neighborhood would be incompatible. Because of case-law, zoning discrepancies cannot correct past land use mistakes, but can set precedence for future occurrences. Re-zoning cannot result in the closure of a running establishment in question, regardless of its zoning designation until the property owner takes it upon himself to change the use of the building.

site inventory

zoning // zone 2 What is Zoning? // Cont.

Zoning affects your property, your neighborhood, and our City.

Typically, zoning is used to delineate land into functional uses and is designated for residential use, commercial services and shopping, storage, processing, manufacturing, open space, parks and playgrounds. All of these regulations are embodied in the municipalityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s zoning code which ultimately has two elements: 1) zoning code text which establishes land use designations and regulations, and 2) a zoning map which indicates how the land may be used. The zoning map portion of the code may be either a single map or a series of maps of the entire municipality which depicts the location and boundaries for the various zoning districts that assigns a zoning classification to each parcel of land.

// legend residential

commercial

R15

R14

RC4

green space

R16

REC

R10

25th st.

R10A

fairmount ave.

20th st.

lv sy

pe e.

spring ga

rden st.

N 0

1000ft.

VIA

philadelphia

zoning // zone 3 Zoning in Philadelphia In August of 1933, the first zoning code set in Philadelphia consisted of 13 zoning districts (7 Residential, 4 Commercial, and 2 Industrial) in August of 1933. Since then, codes have been amended and expanded upon to incorporate a total of 55 districts (31 Residential, 10 Commercial, 9 Industrial, and 5 “special use” classifications).

// legend residential

commercial

R15

R12

RC4

R16

R10

R10A

When this current code was adopted in 1962, the only portion amended was the text. Mapping of these “new districts” still remained a huge task and was ultimately taken on by the Philadelphia Planning Commission. It became apparent early on that the task required more than updating the land use map from 1933. The new zoning map of the City had to become a series of comprehensive zoning and development plans for the various communities within city limits. This need for cooperation and participation from the community led to the rise of the Zoning Remapping Program in 1965.

institutional

industrial

IDD

green space

REC

spring ga

broad s

15th st.

20th st.

rden st.

fra

lin

callowhil

l st.

vine st. N 0

1000ft.

spring gard

10th st.

broad st.

15th st.

site inventory

en st.

callowhil

l st. ge

rid e.

vine st.

N 0

1000ft.

zoning // zone 4 Goals of modern zoning codes include transit-oriented development, pedestrian-friendly commercial corridors, and preservation of the historic fabric of neighborhoods.

// legend residential

commercial

R15

R13

R16

R10

R9A

industrial

institutional IDD

L4 G2

Photo Credits in order of appearance: pg. 40 [top left], pg. 42 [top] http://www.google.com; pg. 40 [right] http://www.uwishunu.com; pg. 42 [bottom left] http://www.locala2z.com; pg. 43 [top] http://www.ushistory.org; pg. 43 [middle] http://commons.wikimedia.org; pg. 43 [bottom] http://www.ccp.edu; pg 47 [top left] http://www.pps.org; pg 47 [bottom left] http://speedexposure.com Literature Credits: Journal of the American Institute of Planners Volume 25, Issue 3, 1959. [left] cover; IPCC Special Report on Land Use, Land-Use Change And Forestry, 2.2.1.1 Land Use (definition of land use); http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/. pg. 1; http://zoningmatters.org. pg. 14, pg. 16; Zoning Remapping in Philadelphia. Philadelphia City Planning Commision.May 2000; http://zoningmatters.org. pg. 14, pg. 16 Map Data: http://www.philaplanning.org/plans/zoning.pdf 55

VIA

philadelphia

architecture

site inventory

VIA

philadelphia

architecture // types

girard ave.

fairmount ave.

nia lv a sy

nn pe

broad st.

e. av

spring garden st.

fra

lin

rid

ave

I-676

vine st.

N 0

1000ft.

significant and typical architecture An inventory of significant and typical architectures found along Via | Philadelphia can lead to a richer understanding of the existing conditions and the cultural story these conditions tell. In this inventory, we have chosen to look at the surrounding architecture through five typical categories of culturally significant, typical vernacular, industrial typeform, contemporary, and style revival. From the most successful examples of symbolic design surrounding Via | Philadelphia, to forgotten buildings that can be read as a history of the neighborhoods it transects, the architectural styles speak to the existing cultural context.

for the Via | Philadelphia site will be enriched by an understanding of how architectural forms shed light on the significance of the built form in the context of natural systems and the larger landscape. But even more, both the symbolic and forgotten built environment, when tied together through a significant landscape, has the potential to reconnect to natural systems and people in a more meaningful way.

Architecture is a reflection and expression of the cultural values held by a people at a particular time. These forms are constantly evolving due to use and stylistic preference, but nevertheless are symbolic of societal values. The designed landscape proposed image source on previous page: copyright 2010, Bob Bruhin. all rights reserved, bruhinb@eraserhood.com, http://www.flickr.com/photos/bruhinb/5341794432 58

site inventory

culturally significant

typical vernacular

industrial typeforms

contemporary

2301 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 P 215.569.2900 F 215.569.5963 W www.klingstubbins.com

Consultants:

Van Deusen & Associates 5 Regent Street, Suite 524 Livingston, NJ 07039 P 973.994.9220 F 973.994.2539 W www.vdassoc.com

Green Roof Service LLC 202 Kimary Court 3D Forest Hill, MD 21050 P 443.345.1578 F 443.345.1533 W www.greenroofservice.com Seals:

Bradford W. Fiske, FAIA. PA License No. RA012815B General Notes:

style revival GOLDTEX BUILDING RENOVATION 315 N 12TH STREET, PHILADEPHIA, PA

Project Title:

Goldtex Building Renovation, Post Brothers 319 W Chelten Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19144 P 215.253.6688 F 215.689.1981 W www.postrents.com

ISSUED FOR CONSTRUCTION / ISSUED FOR PERMIT JUNE 13, 2011 Number

Description

Date

IFC / IFP

13 JUN 2011

“We owe it to the fields that our houses will not be the inferiors of the virgin land they have replaced. We owe it to the worms and the trees that the buildings we cover them with will stand as promises of the highest and most intelligent kinds of happiness.” Key Plan:

Project North

CAD File:

Project No.:

08.7207.00

2011 KlingStubbins, Inc or LLC

Drawing Sheet Title:

PROPOSED SITE ADDRESS 315-323 N. 12TH ST.

COVER SHEET

Drawing Sheet Number:

G-000

Owner's Drawing Sheet No.:

6/13/2011 6:14:59 PM C:\Local_Revit_Files\Goldtex\027207_Goldtex_ARCH_2011 06 13 HYu.rvt

-Alain de Botton

VIA

philadelphia

architecture // culturally significant

girard ave.

fairmount ave.

nia lv a sy

nn pe

broad st.

e. av

spring garden st.

fra

lin

rid

ave

I-676

vine st.

N 0

Culturally significant architecture includes a collection of styles ranging from Classical Revival to Post Modern. This type of architecture is iconic and symbolic of the history and future of Philadelphia. Together this collection composes an array of architectural characteristics. These structures are mostly civic spaces and accessed by the public. They symbolize the cultural and societal values of Philadelphia, painting a picture of the core values of the city.

1000ft.

site inventory

“It is architecture’s task to render vivid to us who we might ideally be.” -Alain de Botton

Top: The Reading Terminal | 1893 Italian Renaissance Bottom: The Philadelphia Inquirer | 1924 Art Deco | International Style | Beaux Arts

VIA

philadelphia

architecture // typical vernacular

girard ave.

fairmount ave.

nia lv a sy

nn pe

broad st.

e. av

spring garden st.

fra

lin

rid

ave

I-676

vine st.

N 0

Vernacular architectures, though seemingly ordinary, can teach us about the cultural values of the place in which they exist. From Gwendolin Wright, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Vernaculars deal with matters in the here-and-now, with daily life rather than with theoretical abstractions. They are decidedly the languages of the street and the home.â&#x20AC;? The vernaculars found near Via | Philadelphia range from the iconic row homes of Philadelphia to ad-hoc storefronts.

1000ft.

site inventory

â&#x20AC;&#x153;By seeming to be both everywhere and inevitable, vernaculars inhabit a vague, placeless domain outside history.â&#x20AC;? - Peirce F. Lewis

Top: Fairmount Neighborhood Rowhouse | age unknown Bottom: The Trestle Inn Go-Go and Whiskey Club| age unknown

VIA

philadelphia

architecture // industrial typeforms

girard ave.

fairmount ave.

nia lv a sy

nn pe

broad st.

e. av

spring garden st.

fra

lin

rid

ave

I-676

vine st.

N 0

Many of the most prominent buildings influencing Via | Philadelphia are tied intrinsically to an industrial past. These buildings, whose styles are both symbolic and derived from their original use, can be thought of as industrial typeforms. Nearly frozen in time, these buildings teach us about not only a past cultural ideal, but about the changes that have taken place since the industrial boom of the last century. D.W. Meinig tells us what we stand to learn from these industrial typeforms, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The ordinary run-of-the-mill things that humans have created and put upon the earth provide strong evidence of the kind of people we are, and were, and are in process of becoming.â&#x20AC;?

1000ft.

site inventory

“All human landscape has cultural meaning, no matter how ordinary that landscape may be.” – D.W. Meinig Top: Interior, Haverford Cycle Factory | 1897 Former Loft Style Manufacturing Facility Bottom: Lasher Printing Company | Phillip Tyre, 1927 Industrial Art Deco

VIA

philadelphia

architecture // contemporary

girard ave.

fairmount ave.

nia lv a sy

nn pe

broad st.

e. av

spring garden st.

fra

lin

rid

ave

I-676

vine st.

N 0

Many of the buildings around the Via | Philadelphia are characteristic of post modern architecture. These structures are not defined by set architectural styles. The architecture is also symbolic of a shift from the modern industrial era to a post industrial era. This includes the elimination of site orientation and the use of raw materials. Most of the structures have increased energy efficiencies and a generic style.

1000ft.

site inventory

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Learning to recognize the charms of raw concreteâ&#x20AC;? - Marte Architects

Top: The Philadelphia Convention Center | 2011 Contemporary Bottom: Community Contemporary

College

Philadelphia

2011

VIA

philadelphia

architecture // style revival

girard ave.

fairmount ave.

nia lv a sy

nn pe

broad st.

e. av

spring garden st.

fra

lin

rid

ave

I-676

vine st.

N 0

Philadelphia, the new worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first industrial city, still holds on to the infrastructure it once housed. The industrial style is revived today through spaces which are lofty, contemporary, and industrial. The styles ranges from Beaux Arts industrial to vernacular. The architecture is symbolic of the reconfigured uses of these structures to meet the new demands of the city.

1000ft.

site inventory

“The possibility of seeing beauty where we had not previously looked” - Hon’ami Koetsu

Photo Credits: Bob Bruhin Urban Landscapes 2012 http://gallery.bob-bruhin.com; Panoramio 2012 http://www.panoramio.com/map; Google Maps 2012 http://maps.google.com; Plan Philly 2006 http://planphilly.com; onionflats Literature Credits: De Botton, Alain. The Architecture of Happiness. Vintage books, 2008. Print. Lewis, Piece F. Axioms for Reading the Landscape. The Interpretation of Ordinary Landscapes. Ed. D.W. Meinig. Oxford University Press. 1979. Wright, Gwendolyn. On Modern Vernaculars and J. B. Jackson. Geographical Review, Vol 88 No 4. Oct. 1998. 69

structure

inventory

VIA

philadelphia

structure // zone characteristics

girard ave.

fairmount ave. nia lv a sy

nn pe

broad st.

e. av n

spring garden st. lin

fra

rid

callowhill st.

I-676

vine st.

N 0

zone 1

zone 2

zone 3

zone 4

1000ft.

Right-of-way is below grade at Girard Avenue, comes to grade at 30th Street, and then gradually slopes downward towards the western tunnel entrance.

Beginning at 27th Street, the roughly 3,300â&#x20AC;&#x2122; tunnel ends at 21st Street. The tracks were originally set at street level before the tunnel was constructed. The original portion of the tunnel was built in 1898, while a later addition to the western portal was constructed later. This submerged section was built around the same time as the original tunnel. This area is characterized by several historical relics from the original construction. This is the most visible portion of the site. Originally connected across Vine Street to the south, and to the regional rail lines to the north, this section now ends at Vine Street and Fairmount Avenue respectively. Also, due to the construction of the Inquirer building, this portion of the site is all but isolated from the rest of the Reading Viaduct.

inventory

Whether you remember the Reading Viaduct as the major rail corridor it once was, essential in the construction and connection of North America, or as it proudly stands now, a reflection of the city’s forgotten industrial roots, this historic landmark has once again become an iconic focal point for Philadelphia’s future. Mostly below grade, the viaduct’s massive black limestone walls stand as a reminder of a past time when massive architecture and large scale construction projects

were the norm. The Reading Viaduct was initially built during the Victorian period in the late 19th century, with additional portions being constructed later. Although over a century old, much of the site continues to stand the test of time, with most losses due to new construction projects over the years. Via | Philadelphia offers an opportunity to preserve this magnificent achievement in engineering for generations to come.

Tunnel arches under construction (1898) source: phillyhistory.org and the Philadelphia Department of Records

“Nothing got in the way of the railroads, and sometimes tunnels or bridges were constructed to bypass various obstacles.” -Joel Spivak in Images of Rail: Philadelphia Railroads

VIA

philadelphia

structure // zone 1

girard av

30th st.

25th st.

lva

pe N 0

wall vehicular bridge pedestrian bridge

View from 30th street looking east (1900) source: phillyhistory. org and the Philadelphia Department of Records

300ft.

inventory

wall Retaining wall runs from 30th Street to the west tunnel entrance at 27th street. These two walls account for the change in grade between the right-of-way and the surrounding land. A wrought-iron railing caps the wall along Pennsylvania Avenue.

black limestone

wrought-iron railing

vehicular bridge There are two vehicular bridges crossing the right-of-way in this zone; one at Poplar Avenue and one at Girard Avenue, marking the limit of work. These bridges are typical steel and concrete construction.

steel

concrete*

pedestrian bridge This pedestrian bridge is the last remaining of several which crossed over the right-of-way along Pennsylvania Avenue. Supported by steel truss-work with a reinforced concrete walkway, this bridge is still in use.

steel truss

reinforced concrete

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Philadelphia played a crucial role in the expansion of the railroad industry. Components for the railroad were all manufactured, tested, and utilized here in Philadelphia.â&#x20AC;? -Philadelphia City Archives Images of Rail: Philadelphia Railroads

* http://maps.google.com/ 75

VIA

philadelphia

25th st.

structure // zone 2

fairmount ave.

nia

lva

20th st.

pe e.

spring ga

rden st.

N 0

barrel vault ventilation area vent west entrance pillar

From left to right: original west portal of tunnel (1900), tunnel excavation (1898), east portal of tunnel keystone laying (1898) Images courtesy of: phillyhistory.org and the Philadelphia Department of Records

â&#x20AC;&#x153;All tunnels in Philadelphia are cut-and-fill projects with reinforced roofs placed on top.â&#x20AC;? -Allen Myers and Joel Spivak in Images of Rail: Philadelphia Railroads

300ft.

inventory

barrel vault Constructed in 1898, the arched vaults are the predominant feature of the tunnel. The vaults consist primarily of brick resting upon the stone side walls. Alcoves appear every 90â&#x20AC;&#x2122; along a given side, and are staggered so that a person is never further than 50â&#x20AC;&#x2122; from one. These allowed workers to evade oncoming trains.

alcove

brick barrel vault

black limestone

ventilation area Areas with raised ceiling interrupt the vaulted ceiling and were the location of steam vents when the rail line was still active. Now these grates provide a source of natural light into the tunnel. Construction consists of reinforced concrete beams supporting the road above.

concrete beams

steel grate

black limestone

west entrance Consists of stone walls with concrete beams spanning the width to support the road above. Concrete pillars support the transverse concrete beams. This newer construction runs 472â&#x20AC;&#x2122; to where the CSX line splits off from the city branch.

concrete pillars

concrete beams

black limestone

VIA

philadelphia

structure // zone 3

spring ga

broad st.

15th st.

20th st.

rden st.

fra

lin

callowhil

l st.

vine st.

N 0

wall vehicular bridge

300ft.

inventory

wall Walls begin from the end of the tunnel and continue through to the basement level of the Inquirer building. The walls vary in height to match grade; in some areas they can be as low as 6’.

black limestone

wrought-iron railing

steel supported overhang

vehicular bridge Vehicular bridges have been constructed to span across the rail line below. Bridges are of steel construction. There is one example of an original steel bridge, used as a span between two industrial buildings.

16th & Callowhill

aluminum railing

18th Street

industrial bridge

“The Baldwin Locomotive Works at Broad and Hamilton Streets in Philadelphia founded by former jeweler Matthias Baldwin, turned into an American institution.” -Chuck Denlinger Images of Rail: Philadelphia Railroads

From left to right: looking east from 20th street (1899), aerial view looking west from 16th street (1899), looking west towards 16th street (1912), aerial view looking east from 16th street (1898) source: phillyhistory.org and the Philadelphia Department of Records

VIA

philadelphia

spring gard

en st.

10th st.

broad st.

15th st.

structure // zone 4

callowhil

l st. ge

rid e.

vine st. N 0

earthwork steel bridge concrete bridge historic building catenary

12th street bridge under construction (1898) source: phillyhistory. org and the Philadelphia Department of Records

300ft.

inventory

earthwork Where possible, the rail beds of the 9th Street branch are supported by earthwork. The earthworks take several forms: fill with retaining wall and fill with sloped banks. The retaining walls are either black limestone or concrete. In several locations, concrete arches have been constructed to allow for roads to pass through.

sloped fill

retaining wall

black limestone

bridge Where the 9th Street branch must span roads, steel bridges supported by steel pillars are used.

steel beams

rails & steel barriers

stone arch bridge

concrete arch bridge

steel bridge

historic building There are two viaduct related buildings in this zone. The first is the train station at 9th and Spring Garden. The second is the old Callowhill substation, located on the southernmost earthwork, where the two lines meet. Spring Garden Station

steel overhang

brick building

Callowhill Substation

brick building

steel structure

catenary Catenaries are the left over relics from when the rail line was electrified in 1931. These steel structures supported both the feeder lines for the substation and the traction lines for the train.

steel

electrical wire

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bridges were made in all sizes. Initially the bridges were constructed of wood, which progressed to wrought iron, steel girders with piers, and reinforced concrete with piers.â&#x20AC;? -Joel Spivak Images of Rail: Philadelphia Railroads 81

VIA

philadelphia

hydrology

site inventory

VIA

philadelphia

hydrology // topography The topography of the city of Philadelphia is a gently sloping ridge that straddles two watersheds, the Delaware and the Schuylkill Rivers. The western portion of the city slopes generally in a southwesterly direction and drains into the Schuylkill River. The eastern portion of the city slopes generally in a southeasterly direction and drains into the Delaware River.

fairmount park

lva

The four zones identified within Via | Philadelphia are characterized by different elevations within the context of the city’s general topography.

a ue

ill er

The Philadelphia Water Department has a very progressive program in place to protect the region’s watersheds. In 1998 they created the Office of Watersheds who took a comprehensive watershed management approach that aimed to improve the region’s waterways. Via | Philadelphia and its three miles of linear infrastructure must consider the vigorous mandates and regulations for handling stormwater on site to comply with the office’s “Clean Water – Green City” vision.

riv

ylk

Zone 4’s infrastructure, the viaduct portion of Via | Philadelphia, allows for stormwater infiltration in the fill sections. The bridge sections of this zone function as green roofs currently due to the opportunistic vegetation on site. This vegetation, along with the permeable surface, captures stormwater and reduces the peak rate of runoff.

Zone 3 is an exposed cut within the city and has both paved and permeable surfaces. A natural occurring wetland exists in the easterly portion of this zone. This zone has the highest potential for flooding.

art museum

Zone 2 encompasses the tunnel and stormwater from the street above is captured in storm drains as well. Stormwater does reach the site in this portion through the grates at street level. This represents minimal flow and since the tunnel’s ground plane is also completely permeable, flooding is not an issue.

Zone 1 is a low spot within the city which would typically indicate the tendency to flood. However, due to the stone walls that form the edges of the site, any water that would naturally flow toward it is captured in the city’s stormwater drainage system adjacent to Via | Philadelphia. Due to the completely pervious surface of zone 1, runoff is not a problem.

There are three major elements in regards to stormwater regulation highlighted in the Stormwater Management Guidance Manual: water quality, channel protection, and flood control requirements. Via | Philadelphia has the potential to be a contributing stakeholder in the future health of the city’s waterways and drinking water thus ensuring a healthy economy and a healthy environment for the citizens of Philadelphia. photo on previous page: Randy Calderone, 2010, http://somethingfortheeyes.files.wordpress.com

broad stree

site inventory

vine stree

t expressw

delaw are ri ve

schuylkill river watershed

delaware river watershed

elevations 110

100

VIA

philadelphia

hydrology streetorflow and perhaps drain inlets a full bleed//map photo// master plan zone 1 girard av

30th st.

fairmount park

nia

lva

25th st.

pe e.

av 0

300ft.

zone 3 spring ga

fra

callowhil

lin

l st.

logan circle

broad st.

15th st.

20th st.

rden st.

vine st.

site inventory

direction of street flow

drain inlet locations

25th st.

zone 2 eastern state penitentiary fairmount ave.

20th st.

pe nia lva

art museum

e av eakins oval

spring ga

rden st.

300ft.

zone 4

en st.

10th st.

broad st.

15th st.

spring gard

callowhil

l st. ge

rid e.

vine st. N

ecology

VIA

philadelphia

ecology // surrounding tree canopy cover

girard ave.

fairmount ave. nia lv a sy

nn pe

broad st.

e. av nk

spring garden st.

lin

ave

fra

rid

callowhill st.

I-676

vine st.

N 0

The above map is a close approximation of tree canopy cover surrounding Via | Philadelphia. It shows that, while there is good tree cover within Fairmount Park and surrounding neighborhoods, canopy is thin or non-existent towards the 9th Street Branch of the Reading Viaduct. In fact, the raised rail corridor east of Broad Street contains the majority of trees in the neighborhoods immediately adjacent to it. This presents a valuable opportunity for the City of Philadelphia. If turned into a park, Via | Philadelphia will greatly help restore urban tree canopy, creating a green

1000ft.

oasis within the Callowhill, North Chinatown, and Poplar neighborhoods and acting as a starting point from which to spread the urban canopy into each neighborhood through initiatives such as TreeVitalize, Tree Philly, and Pennsylvania Horticultural Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Plant One Million campaign. Doing so will help to accomplish three target objectives outlined in Greenworks Philadelphia, Mayor Michael Nutterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ambitious sustainability plan to make Philadelphia the greenest city in America. VIA | Philadelphia has the power to bring Philadelphia one step closer to that goal.

site inventory

a brave new ecology â&#x20AC;&#x153;The urban environment is already awash in plant life if one opens their eyes to a new way of seeing.â&#x20AC;? -future green studio Spontaneously propagating, self-pollinating, tough urban plants inhabit our most derelict landscapes - along roadsides and chain-link fences, between cracks of pavement, and within vacant lots, rubble dumps, and highway medians. Remarkably these plants require no human assistance to assert and sustain themselves in these punishing, often volatile urban environments, while providing the same ecologically performative benefits of traditional landscape plants and street trees.

vigorous growth self pollinating first to appear in spring tolerates low soil nutrients tolerates severe drought seeds attractive to wildlife advantageous seed germination first to colonize disturbed soils tolerates compacted / contaminated soil

VIA

philadelphia

vegetation // zone 1

girard av

30th st.

25th st.

nia

lva

pe N 0

300ft.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The notion that every city has a native flora that can be restored is an idea with little credibility in light of the facts that...

...most urban land has been totally transformed from what it once was...â&#x20AC;? -Peter Del Tredici

site inventory

opportunistic meadow Characterized by aggressive and/or invasive species that can survive in areas of very limited soil medium and extreme temperature fluctuations. Found throughout viaduct corridor in the cracks of sidewalks, mortar joints, neglected properties, vacant lots, and within railroad rights-of-way.

Princess Tree

Common groundsel

Goldenrod

Green Foxtail

Narrowleaf Plantain

Sweet Autumn Clematis

paulowniablack locust forest Canopy species mainly invasive, edge-habitat trees, with minimal, mostly invasive shrub cover. Invasive vines prevalent. Contains many fruit-bearing species attractive to birds and mammals. Ground cover minimal, comprised of non-native herbaceous species.

Princess Tree

Pin Oak

Black Locust

Autumn Olive

Wineberry

Hairy Bittercress

VIA

philadelphia

25th st.

vegetation // zone 2

fairmount ave.

nia

lva

20th st.

pe e.

spring ga

rden st.

N 0

300ft.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The notion that every city has a native flora that can be restored is an idea with little credibility in light of the facts that...

...the climate conditions that the original flora was adapted to no longer exist...â&#x20AC;? -Peter Del Tredici

site inventory

no vegetation Low-light conditions unsuitable for supporting significant plant life. Moisture seeping from walls near steam vents may support mosses and/or lichens.

VIA

philadelphia

vegetation // zone 3

spring ga

broad st.

15th st.

20th st.

rden st.

fra

callowhil

l st.

lin

vine st. N 0

300ft.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The notion that every city has a native flora that can be restored is an idea with little credibility in light of the facts that...

...most urban habitats are strictly human creations with no natural analogs and no indigenous flora.â&#x20AC;?

-Peter Del Tredici

site inventory

forest Dominated by Paulownia, occasional occurrences of native but aggressive Catalpa. Characterized by advantageous trees; thorny, fruit-bearing shrubs; and a high occurrence of native and exotic vines. All species can tolerate soil compaction, salt spray, exposed slopes, and rock cuts.

Princess Tree

Catalpa

Tree of Heaven

Multiflora Rose

Wineberry

Virginia Creeper

meadow Extremely limited biodiversity take advantage of exposed edge conditions. Aggressive species are early successional types that take advantage of disturbed soil conditions, vacant lots, and salt spray and they can survive in places of very little soil such as masonry joints.

Common Reed

Goldenrod

Japanese Honeysuckle

Narrowleaf Plantain

Virginia Pepperweed

Common Groundsel

forest Similar to Paulownia and Paulownia-Robinia forests. Typified by English Ivy groundcover and vine dominance that smothers the understory and is found only in the Overstructure section. Ivy can survive on masonry structures, damaging buildings and strangling trees. catapla

Catalpa

Black locust

Princess tree

meadow

Oriental Bittersweet

English ivy

Cutleaf Blackberry

Community found on old railroad bridge between 16th and 17th Streets, an area of limited soil substrate. No occurrences of tree or shrub species. Characterized by balance of aggressive, early-successional grasses and flowering perennials.

Common Mullein

Goldenrod

Japanese Knotweed

Green Foxtail

White Panicle Aster

Common Groundsel 97

VIA

philadelphia

15th st.

10th st.

vegetation // zone 4

broad st.

spring garden st.

callowhil

l st. ge

rid e.

vine st. N 0

300ft.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The notion that every city has a native flora that can be restored is an idea with little credibility in light of the facts that...

...the idea that this vegetation can somehow be restored to the site is both ecologically and evolutionarily impossible.â&#x20AC;?

-Peter Del Tredici

site inventory

meadow Dominated by native, flowering perennials. Thrives in exposed, sunny areas of limited substrate. Found on Viaductâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s railroad bridge edges. Occasional Buddleia specimens found throughout community.

Bittersweet Nightshade

Butterfly Bush

Green Foxtail

Goldenrod

White Panicle Aster

White Snakeroot

grasslands Dominated by warm season grasses, and punctuated by tall, flowering perennials. Early successional species thrive in poor, shallow substrates directly within existing railroad tracks.

Little Bluestem

Bluegrass

Green Foxtail

Goldenrod

White Snakeroot

Common Milkweed

old field Found in fill areas of viaduct with deeper soil substrate. Defined as a meadow undergoing succession by tree and shrub species. Demonstrates a balance of native and exotic species.

Princess Tree

Catalpa

Butterfly Bush

Common Milkweed

Chinese Silvergrass

Bluegrass

VIA

philadelphia

wildlife // all zones

girard ave.

nia lv a sy

nn pe

broad st.

e. av

fairmount ave.

ve.

a ge

rid

spring garden st. fra

lin

callowhill st.

I-676 vine st.

N 0

The Urban wildlife of Via | Philadelphia shows a surprising amount of diversity. In addition to familiar city denizens like pigeons, rats, common opossum, and European starlings, birds and mammals ordinarily limited to more rural environments can be seen near or on Via | Philadelphia. Creatures take advantage of the plant communities along Via | Philadelphia for shelter, forage, and prey items. Several migrating bird species may use Via | Philadelphia vegetative cover as a resting point on their journey.

100

1000ft.

inventory

mammals

birds

White-tailed deer Norway rat Common opossum Raccoon Feral cat Gray squirrel Skunk Fox

Cooperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hawk Rock dove (Pigeon) European starling Red-tailed hawk Peregrine falcon Ruby-throated hummingbird Common mockingbird Brown thrasher House sparrow Common nighthawk House finch Chipping sparrow Field sparrow Mourning dove American goldfinch Gray catbird American kestrel House finch Chimney swift

reptiles Gartner snake Black snake

101

existing plant species

102

Botanical Name

Common Name

Family

Growth Habit

Wetland Indicator

Acer platanoides

Norway Maple

Sapindaceae

Tree canopy

FAC

Acer rubrum

Red Maple

Sapindaceae

Tree canopy

FACW+,OBL

Ageratina altissima (L.) King & H. Rob.

White Snakeroot

Asteraceae

Perennial

Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle

Tree of Heaven

Simaroubaceae

Tree

Allium cepa

Common Onion

Amaryllidaceae

Perennial

FAC

Apocynum cannabinum L.

Indian Hemp, Common Dogbane

Apocynaceae

Perennial

FACU

Aristida oligantha Michx.

Prairie Threeawn

Poaceae

Grass

Artemisia vulgaris L.

Common Wormwood

Asteraceae

Perennial

Asclepias syriaca L.

Common Milkweed

Apocynaceae

Perennial

Buddleja davidii Franch.

Butterfly Bush

Scrophulariaceae

Shrub

Bulbostylis capillaris (L.) Kunth ex C.B. Clarke

Densetuft Hairsedge

Cyperaceae

Perennial

Cardamine hirsuta L.

Hairy Bittercress

Brassicaceae

Perennial

Catalpa sp.

Catalpa

Bignoniaceae

Tree

Celastrus orbiculatus Thunb.

Oriental Bittersweet

Celastraceae

Vine

Chenopodium album L.

Lamb’s Quarters

Amaranthaceae

Perennial

Clematis terniflora

Sweet Autumn Clematis

Ranunculaceae

Vine

Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronquist

Canadian Horseweed

Asteraceae

Perennial

Daucus carota L.

Queen Anne’s Lace

Apiaceae

Biennial

Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb.

Autumn Olive

Elaeagnaceae

Shrub

FACU,FAC UPL, FAC

UPL, FAC

Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb.

Autumn Olive

Elaeagnaceae

Shrub

Fallopia japonica (Houtt.) Ronse Decr.

Japanese Knotweed

Polygonaceae

Vine

UPL, FAC

Fragaria virginiana

Wild Strawberry

Rosaceae

Perennial ground cover

UPL,FACU+

Galium sp.

Bedstraw

Rubiaceae

Perennial

UPL,FACU+

Glechoma hederacea L.

Ground Ivy

Lamiaceae

Perennial

UPL,FACU+

Hedera helix

English ivy

Araliaceae

Vine

Juncus sp.

Rush

Juncaceae

Perennial

Juniperus virginiana L.

Eastern Red Cedar

Cupressaceae

Tree Evergreen

FACU-, FACU

Lepidium virginicum L.

Virginia Pepperweed

Brassicaceae

Lepidium virginicum L.

Virginia Pepperweed

Brassicaceae

Perennial

UPL, FAC-

Liquidambar styraciflua

Sweetgum

Altingiaceae

Tree canopy

FAC,FACW

Lonicera japonica Thunb.

Japanese Honeysuckle

Caprifoliaceae

Perennial

UPL,FACU+

Magnolia grandiflora L.

Southern Magnolia

Magnoliaceae

Tree

Magnolia grandiflora L.

Southern Magnolia

Magnoliaceae

Tree Canopy

Malus sp.

Crabapple

Rosaceae

Tree

FACU,FAC+

Melilotus alba Medic.

White Sweet Clover

Fabaceae

Perennial

Miscanthus sinensis Andersson

Chinese Silvergrass

Poaceae

Grass

Morus sp.

Mulberry

Moraceae

Shrub

Oenothera biennis L.

Common Evening Primrose

Onagraceae

Perennial

Parthenocissus quinquefolia

Virginia Creeper

Vitaceae

Vine

Paulownia tomentosa (Thunb.) Siebold & Zucc. ex Steud.

Princesstree

Paulowniaceae

Tree canopy

Persicaria pensylvanica (L.) Small

Pennsylvania Smartweed

Polygonaceae

Perennial

UPL,FACU

Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud.

Common Reed

Poaceae

Perennial

FACW, OBL

UPL,FACU

Phytolacca americana L.

Pokeweed

Phytolaccaceae

Grass

Plantago lanceolata L.

Narrowleaf Plantain

Plantaginaceae

Biennial

FACW-,OBL

Plantago sp.

Plantain

Plantaginaceae

Perennial

FACW, OBL

Platanus occidentalis

American Sycamore

Platanaceae

Perennial

FACU, FAC

Poa sp.

Bluegrass

Poaceae

Perennial

FACU, FAC-

Populus grandidentata Michx.

Bigtooth Aspen

Salicaceae

Tree canopy

FACU, FAC

Prunus sp.

Flowering Cherry

Rosaceae

Tree understory

FACU-,FACU

Prunus serotina Ehrh.

Black Cherry

Rosaceae

Tree understory

FACU-,FACU

Quercus palustris

Pin Oak

Fagaceae

Tree canopy

FAC,FACW

Quercus prinus

Chestnut Oak

Fagaceae

Tree canopy

UPL,FACU-

site inventory

Botanical Name

Common Name

Family

Growth Habit

Rhus typhina L.

Staghorn Sumac

Anacardiaceae

Tree / shrub

Robinia pseudoacacia

Black Locust

Fabaceae

Canopy Tree

Rosa multiflora Thunb.

Multiflora Rose

Rosaceae

Shrub

Rubus laciniatus Willd.

Cutleaf blackberry

Rosaceae

Shrub

Rubus pensilvanicus Poir.

Pennsylvania Blackberry

Rosaceae

shrub/tree

Rubus phoenicolasius Maxim.

Wineberry

Rosaceae

shrub/tree

Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash

Little Bluestem

Poaceae

Grass

Senecio vulgaris L.

Common Groundsel

Asteraceae

Perennial

Setaria faberi Herrm.

Giant Foxtail

Poaceae

Grass

Wetland Indicator

FAC

FAC FACU, FAC

Setaria viridis (L.) P. Beauv.

Green Foxtail

Poaceae

Grass

FACU, FAC

Silene latifolia Poir.

White Campion

Caryophyllaceae

Grass

FACU, FAC

Solanum americanum Mill.

American Black Nightshade

Solanaceae

Perennial

Solanum dulcamara L.

Bittersweet Nightshade

Solanaceae

Vine

Solidago sp.

Goldenrod

Asteraceae

Biennial

UPL,FACU

Stellaria media (L.) Vill.

Common Chickweed

Caryophyllaceae

Subshrub

FACU-,FAC

Symphyotrichum lanceolatum (Willd.) G.L. Nesom

White Panicle Aster

Asteraceae

Perennial

FACU, FAC

Symphyotrichum sp.

Aster

Asteraceae

Perennial

FACU, FAC

Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wigg

Common Dandelion

Asteraceae

Perennial

UPL,FACU

Tilia cordata Mill. s.str

Small-leaved Linden

Tiliaceae

Tree canopy

FACW

Triodanis perfoliata (L.) Nieuwl.

Clasping Venusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Looking Glass

Campanulaceae

Perennial

Verbascum thapsus L.

Common Mullein

Scrophulariaceae

Biennial

FAC

Literature: Del Tredici, Peter. Wild Urban Plants of the Northeast: a Field Guide. Cornell University Press. Ithaca, NY. 2010. Photos: [Princess Tree] www.radfordpl.org pg. 6, 10, 12; [Common Groundsell] www.sitkanature.org pg. 6, 10; [Goldenrod] www.google.com pg. 6, 10, 12; [Green Foxtail] www. msuturfweeds.net pg.10, 12; [Narrowleaf Plantain] www.urbpan.livejournal.com pg. 6, 10; [Sweet Autumn Clematis] www.duke.edu pg. 6; [Pin Oak] www.upload.wikimedia.org pg. 6; [Black Locust] www.nps.gov pg. 6, 10; [Autumn Olive] www.sierrapotomac.org pg. 6; [Wineberry] www.google.com pg. 6, 10; [Hairy Bittercress] www.torrens.org pg. 6; [Catalpa] www.google.com pg. 10; [Tree of Heaven] www.treepicturesonline.com pg. 10; [Multiflora Rose] www.ceas.ku.edu pg.10; [Virginia Creeper] www.fcps.edu pg.10; [Common Reed] www.extension.entm.purdue.edu pg.10; [Japanese Honeysuckle] www.ppws.vt.edu pg. 10; [Oriental Bittersweet] www.nps.gov pg.10; [English Ivy] www.naturehills.com pg. 10; [Common Mullein] www.fws.gov pg. 10, 12; [Japanese Knotweed] www.ecy.wa.gov pg.10; [White Panicle Aster] www.davesgarden.com pg.10, 12; [Bittersweet Nightshade] www. pbase.com pg.12; [Butterfly Bush] www.countrysideaustin.com pg.12; [White Snakeroot] www.britannica.com pg. 12; [Little Bluestem] www.wildflowermix.com pg. 12; [Bluegrass] www.turfgrass.ncsu.edu pg. 12; [Common Milkweed] www.fcps.edu pg. 12; [Chinese Silvergrass] www.dnr.state.il.us pg. 12 103

site analysis and concept master plans // team approach team i team ii team iii team iv

team i

team i // site analysis and concept master plan

site analysis & concept master plan

table of contents

team i // site analysis and concept master plan

team i analysis................................110-118 team i design concept....................119-149

analysis

team i // site analysis and concept master plan

VIA

philadelphia

goals & objectives DEVELOPMENT Encourage appropriate land uses around the site that respond to community needs. • • • •

Promote new high-density, mixed-use development on vacant or under utilized properties. Emphasize the importance of residential and commercial uses to grow the local tax base. Encourage building development to meet highest possible levels of USGBC LEED standards. Renovate suitable buildings adjacent to the site.

CONNECTIVITY Create a linear park that links districts, neighborhoods, and landmarks within Philadelphia’s urban fabric. • • • •

Provide at least one accessible entrance in each adjoining neighborhood. Maintain sight lines into the site from surrounding areas. Preserve and enhance significant viewsheds. Introduce bold and innovative wayfinding strategies into the design vocabulary.

SUSTAINABILITY Embody Philadelphia’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship by providing a model project for the city, state, and region. • • • • •

Follow recommendations made in Green2015 and Philadelphia2035 plans. Adopt land design practices from the Sustainable Sites Initiative. Integrate the park into Philadelphia’s network of mass-transit resources including bus, subway, and light rail. Utilize a diverse palette of plants adaptable to the urban environment. Emphasize economically feasible, environmentally-friendly methods of park maintenance.

IDENTITY Maintain a high level of visual continuity throughout the park consistent with the history and culture of Philadelphia. • • • •

Maintain the integrity of the site as a former industrial rail corridor. Preserve the Victorian architectural style existing throughout the corridor. Use local and vernacular materials. Provide opportunities for permanent, temporary, and spontaneous means of artistic expression.

INTERACTION Provide amenities that attract a diverse array of users. • Create opportunities for both active and passive recreation. • Provide spaces for the community to engage in educational workshops, classes, and shows. • Design a multi-use trail system incorporating pedestrian and bicycle access with appropriate facilities.

110

team i // site analysis and concept master plan

zone 2

zone 3

22nd street

27th street

VIA

division of Via | Philadelphia corridor into zones

zone 4

philade

lphia broad street

zone 1

111

philadelphia

30 th street

VIA

girard av

enue

s nn pe

fairmount avenue

ylv ue

fairmount park The map to the schuylkil right l river shows the context of the Via | Philadelphia site in terms of land use and transit connections. Land uses shown here are highly generalized in order to provide a quick reference to inform design recommendations on surrounding vacant lots. Challenges unique to the site include reconciling different land uses within each zone, particularly in the raised 9th Street area, where industry clashes with residential neighborhoods.

philadelphia museum of art

In addition, it is helpful to note that the Via | Philadelphia site is highly accessible by mass transit. The map shows SEPTA bus and bicycle lane connections (highlighted in white) within a five-minute walking radius (illustrated as faded white circles) from possible pedestrian gateways on the site. possible gateways

21 st street

inu

fra

lin

VIA pa

philadelp

hia

transit lines

land use residential commercial institutional industrial vacant greenspace

generalized land use and transit connections 112

market str

eet

team i // site analysis and concept master plan

ue en av

8 th street

ge rid

fairm

broad stree

oun

t ave

nue 5 minutes

spring ga

rden stree

vine stree

t expressw

2000 ft.

113

VIA

philadelphia

analysis

opportunity metrics

In order to design the Via | Philadelphia site, it is necessary to find opportunity where most others see constraint. Like the tough, opportunistic plants growing along the site today, a design strategy requires adapting to harsh, urban conditions and making the most of aging infrastructure. With that in mind, this analysis will provide an assessment of the site by using an ‘opportunity index’ to evaluate portions of the site and adjacent properties. The first step in this analysis was to develop a set of ‘opportunity metrics’; a list of qualities in and around the site that raise the level of opportunity of a specific space. These are essentially positive characteristics that increase the number of design possibilities. The number of metrics met by a particular space determine its degree of opportunity according to the ‘opportunity index’. Other critical factors assessed in this analysis include: • potential thresholds • important views

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

is capable of supporting vegetation is visible from adjacent areas is easily accessible contains historical relics is considered vacant land is structurally-sound or low-maintenance contains relatively high biodiversity is not in conflict with active rail lines is in close proximity to public transit is wider than 50’ does not currently have a use does not have environmental hazards has a permeable ground surface provides a quality view has access to sunlight does not have limited soil substrate is somewhat buffered from traffic noise is adjacent to an historic/landmark building contains native plant communities maintains strong internal sight lines is adjacent to public parking

• buildings with potential for renovation

opportunity index

no opportunity

low opportunity

low-moderate opportunity

moderate opportunity

moderate-high opportunity

high opportunity

meets 0 metrics

meets 1-2 metrics

meets 3-5 metrics

meets 6-8 metrics

meets 9-11 metrics

meets 12+ metrics

114

team i // site analysis and concept master plan

girard av

29 th street

30 th street

enue

kelly driv

27 th street

28 th street

fairmount park

schuylkill river N 0

1000 ft.

zone 1 - opportunity gradient Zone 1 presents some of the greatest opportunities along the rail corridor. Bordering the neighborhoods of Fairmount and Spring Garden, this areaillustrated on the map as a thin red linecould be used to provide opportunities for active recreation including a pedestrian and bicycle trail. Compared with other parts of the corridor, Zone 1 is the most tranquil with surrounding residential and open space land uses. An existing pedestrian bridge crosses over the corridor and connects the residential neighborhood to a wooded area within Fairmount Park. The corridor meets grade around 30th Street and provides great potential for a prominent threshold.

The greatest constraint facing this zone is an active CSX rail line, which shares half of the corridor and is illustrated in white on the map. This limits the amount of space available for park development and poses safety concerns. Existing invasive vegetation in the corridor obstructs views from the adjacent street, but could be removed to provide stronger sight lines. The corridor narrows further north of 30th Street to Girard Avenue.

recommendations: • maintain the tranquil atmosphere • strengthen connections to Fairmount Park • provide recreation opportunities for adjacent neighborhood • delineate the active rail line from potential parkland • frame views to Schuylkill River

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fairmount avenue 24 th street

25 th street

26 th street

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schuylkill river

eakin’s oval

fra

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21 st street

22 nd street

23 rd street

art museum

1000 ft.

zone 2 - opportunity gradient Zone 2 has the least opportunity of the four zones, yet the abandoned tunnel is a unique feature in the dense urban fabric that poses a challenging and intriguing design opportunity. The tunnel itself is a historic relic that played a critical role in Philadelphia’s industrial past. Within the cavernous microclimate of the tunnel exist massive walls of black limestone block; vaulted ceiling of vibrant red brick; and the occasional vent that allows sunlight to pour in. The presence of Fairmount Park to the south presents some opportunity for a connection with the tunnel, although this would require stairs or ADA-compliant ramps to provide access to the street.

116

Because the tunnel was built beneath Pennsylvania Avenue, there is very little opportunity for corridor access from street-level. The absence of sunlight prevents plant growth and creates an unsafe environment. The prolonged darkness for more than a half-mile is disorienting; when inside the tunnel, one has no clear indication of their location.

recommendations: • create recognizable gateways at each end of the tunnel • explore possible connections to Fairmount Park • develop an innovative solution to utilize the tunnel space while maintaining a safe, well-lit environment • preserve and visually recognize the tunnel infrastructure

broad stree t

15 th street

16 th street

17 th street

18 th street

19 th street

20 th street

21 st street

team i // site analysis and concept master plan

fra

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vine stree

t expressw

N 0

1000 ft.

zone 3 - opportunity gradient Zone 3 includes a variety of spaces with equally as much variation in opportunities. Where the tunnel ends, the corridor opens up into a wide triangular space bordering the Rodin Museum that has the potential to become a primary node. A possible access point exists behind the Rodin Museum by utilizing an existing ramp. Other areas of high opportunity include three consecutive blocks (one parking, two wooded lots) beneath overpass bridges. A large vacant lot south of the corridor could become an entrance feature with close proximity to parking, green space, and the Community College of Philadelphia.

The easternmost portion of Zone 3 is severely constrained by the encroaching infrastructure of a parking garage and the Philadelphia Inquirer building. The original corridor exists only in narrowed fragments among the below-ground building parking and utility areas. The corridor is severed completely before it reaches Broad Street, effectively preventing a direct connection without significant architectural intervention. The sunken area between 19th and 21st Streets is moderately constrained by existing parking and the interface with the police station to the north.

recommendations: â&#x20AC;˘ create a centralized, street-level node with access to the sunken corridor â&#x20AC;˘ evaluate the feasibility of connections near and across Broad Street

117

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zone 4 - opportunity gradient Zone 4, the raised rail portion of the corridor, is the most visible part of the site and has opportunities to provide framed views of the city skyline. Many existing relics and several railroad buildings provide identifiable character. The most opportunity exists on the wide area bordering Vine Street and the northernmost area up to Fairmount Avenue. These areas provide dramatic city views and are wide enough to support a variety of uses. Though the area directly east of Broad Street is a potential gateway, an existing street and prolific shade from the building to the south pose constraints. Vacant land and abandoned buildings around the viaduct provide opportunities for development and renovation. 118

Zone 4 is constrained by having only one at-grade connection (Broad Street) and potential lead contamination from catenary structures. Disagreements between the Callowhill and Chinatown neighborhoods over the future of the viaduct pose challenges for future development.

recommendations: • create a gateway on Broad Street • provide at least two additional entrance points, one near Vine Street Expressway • develop an innovative solution to connect the corridor to Center City across the Vine Street Expressway • enhance dramatic views • make recommendations for vacant lots

philadelphia

master plan

VIA

119

VIA

philadelphia

Providing a framework of design: Abandoned scaffold at the end of the VIA | Philadelphia 120 tunnel, located at 21st Street and Hamilton Street.

VIA

philadelphia

master plan brewerytown northern liberties schuylkill river trail community college of philadelphia art museum

industrial line concept Throughout history, industrial railroads have been constructed around a “main line” which serves as the central spine of a railroad used to transport bulk goods and raw materials to a final destination. At various points along the main line, interchange points called exchange sidings exist where shorter industrial rail lines convey cargo onto the main line for shipping. These lines are sometimes referred to as “branch lines” or “spur lines” off of the main line. This concept utilizes the abandoned rail corridor as a main line connecting nearby places of importance including the Art Museum, Center City, the Schuylkill River Trail, the Community College of Philadelphia and high density residential areas. In this scheme, the site can be thought of as a conduit designed to provide efficient circulation for pedestrians and bicyclists to external destinations.

center city

commuter line concept Rail lines designed for public transportation into and out of urban areas typically include numerous station points along the route to provide service to as many people as possible. Although the beginning and the end of a commuter route are usually destination points, the line can be used to access any point along the way. This concept emphasizes destinations along the rail corridor itself by providing a variety of amenity spaces targeting specific user-groups. Although this scheme recognizes and meets the needs for access to other destinations in the city, its attractions are internally oriented and encourage visitors to linger and engage. 121

team i // site analysis and concept master plan

elements major spaces

access points

infill & renovation

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new mixed-use parking garage for police station

re-purpose the granary building as residential lofts and office space

new commercial (cafe, sports store) buildings with access to corridor

new residential tower

new mixed-use parking garage

new sky walk stairtower building

new mixed-use parking garage with pedestrian deck connecting to viaduct

restore substation as a railroad museum

â&#x20AC;&#x153;the archâ&#x20AC;? mixeduse residential building connecting to viaduct

mixed-use building

re-purpose train station as cafe and information center

new mixed-use residential building

new residential tower with attached indoor farmers market

new office building with attached light industrial-use building

123

team i // site analysis and concept master plan

access points

3 r

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stair/ramp access entrance at community garden/memorial on girard avenue

ramp access re-purposed ramp at police station 20th street

at-grade access primary gateway 30th street

ramp access primary gateway between pennsylvania avenue & kelly drive

ramp access utilize existing ramp at granary between 20th & 21st streets

stair/elevator access new commercial buildings between 18th & 19th streets

stair access to community college of philadelphia west of 15th street

stair/diagonal elevator access sky walk staircase east of 15th street

stair/elevator access new sky walk stairtower building broad street

at-grade access primary gateway broad & noble streets

stair/ramp access primary gateway percy & green streets

124

stair/elevator access primary gateway vine street expressway

stair/elevator access re-purposed train station 9th & spring garden streets

VIA

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major spaces

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30th street gateway

beer garden

tunnel entrance

fairmount pocket park

“the cut” sunny

“the cut” shady

inquirer sky walk

broad street gateway

vine street gateway

arch building

north end terminus

125

team i // site analysis and concept master plan

brick

wood

steel grate

corten steel

gravel

concrete

materials

san diego, ca

philadelphia, pa

convention center

san diego

mt. laurel cemetery

france

lyon’s rhône river

south korea

cheonggyecheon

germany

südgelände natur-park

VIA philadelphia

inspiration

30 street gateway

team i // site analysis and concept master plan

View of existing conditions at the CSX railroad crossing from 30th Street to Poplar Drive in Fairmount Park

30 street gateway

philadelphia

VIA

perspective //

view west to pedestrian rail crossing and bike hub

The 30th Street Gateway is the primary access point in the north-east portion of the site. A bike hub building is the primary feature within the space. The hub provides bike parking and information as well as repair and rental services. Though the gateway facilitates increased pedestrian activity, careful attention must be paid to maintain some degree of privacy for the Fairmount neighborhood edge. While encouraging entry into the linear park right-of-way, cross-movement into the Lemon Hill area of Fairmount Park is also emphasized.

129

beer garden

team i // site analysis and concept master plan

View north of the 29th Street pedestrian bridge over the shared CSX and Reading Railroad corridor, showing successional forest and neighborhood residences along Pennsylvania Avenue

philadelphia

beer garden

VIA

perspective //

view southeast to north tunnel entrance

The beer garden is a social gathering space that hearkens back to the history of neighboring Brewerytown and the former brew house on Lemon Hill. The space is accessed by separated walking and bike paths shaded by an allee of trees. Much of the surface is paved with permeable gravel that aids in stormwater infiltration.

131

the tunnel

team i // site analysis and concept master plan

Steam vents once used for Reading Railroadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s locomotives now provide illumination in the Tunnel running underneath Pennsylvania Avenue

philadelphia

the tunnel

VIA

perspective

view southeast into tunnel Far left:

Parans© solar panel attached to building

Far right:

Parans© L1 solar luminaire lighting fixture

The tunnel’s location parallel to Pennsylvania Avenue presents a unique opportunity to create a combined linear park and underground throughway by which pedestrians and bicyclists can commute to work or reach destinations such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The problem of lighting is solved through the installation of cutting-edge solar-powered, fiber optic lights such as those by the company Parans©. These lights are powered by solar panel receptors (above left photograph) that capture and transmit sunlight via fiber optic cables to lighting fixtures (example fixture above). These fixtures transmit enough sunlight to support plant growth, presenting an opportunity to create a unique underground park that cities like New York are already considering.

(image credit: Parans© HUVCO Daylighting SolutionsTM)

133

fairmount pocket park

team i // site analysis and concept master plan

The portion of Fairmount Park separated from the Philadelphia Museum of Art by Kelly Drive and bounded by Spring Garden Street and Pennsylvania Avenue is a beautiful stretch of parkland conveniently located next to Via | Philadelphia

philadelphia

perspective //

view northwest to activity lawn

The Fairmount Pocket Park provides pedestrian-scaled open spaces for active and passive recreation while providing a prominent entry point from the Benjamin Franklin Parkway near Eakins Oval. A meandering ramp and shallow stairs lead down to an excavated entrance into the tunnel. Low-maintenance plantings add texture and seasonal color.

fairmount pocket park

VIA

135

â&#x20AC;&#x153;the cutâ&#x20AC;? sunny

team i // site analysis and concept master plan

Bordered by Matthias Baldwin Park to the north and a vacant lot with development potential to the south, the sunken Via | Philadelphia corridor is currently filled with riotous invasive plant growth.

VIA

philadelphia

the granary building

existing ramp

18 th

stre

matthias baldwin park

stre

axonometric

perspective //

“the cut” sunny

lo al

ill

19 th

ne w c bu om il d m in erc gs ia l

e tre

view west towards plaza, ramp access and rock-climbing wall

The sunny area of “the cut” maintains an open, active plaza space complete with sculpture, edge plantings, and storefronts including cafes and a sports store. This area provides opportunities for active recreation including rock climbing, skating, and biking. Its proximity to Matthias Baldwin Park and the Community College of Philadelphia provides a vast array of potential patrons.

137

â&#x20AC;&#x153;the cutâ&#x20AC;? shady

team i // site analysis and concept master plan

This section of the abandoned rail corridor is a post-industrial, young urban forest adjacent to the Community College of Philadelphia.

VIA

philadelphia

18 th st

reet

17 th

com mun of ph ity colleg ilade lphia e

stre

com mu of p nity co lle hilad elph ge ia 16 th

stre

axonometric

perspective //

“the cut” shady

relo ca day ted care build ing

view west into woodland path

The shady area of “the cut” provides a contrast to the active sunny area with shaded paths, a reflecting pool, and a lush tree canopy. A vegetated ground plane containing plants with year-round interest provides habitat for wildlife. The space also features a stormwater pond that collects runoff from adjacent streets and buildings to aid in groundwater infiltration.

139

inquirer sky walk

team i // site analysis and concept master plan

The striking Philadelphia Inquirer Building dominates the skyline of this area, otherwise surrounded by parking garages and other development that cuts off the underground Reading Railroad corridor.

VIA

philadelphia

16 th

15 th

stre

m park ixed-us ing garae ge

stre

idg

m park ixed-use ing g arag e gre

reloc day c ated ccp are b uildin g

en r

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ia g lphildin e d u ila r b phuire inq oa

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sch

stairwell building

l di

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ict

ilad

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axonometric

perspective //

inquirer sky walk

tai

n fou

view east across 16th street

The Inquirer Sky Walk is an aerial pedestrian connection bridging Broad and 16th Streets. A monumental staircase and diagonal elevator on 16th Street brings pedestrians to a sky walk with dramatic views of the Inquirer building and Center City. Mixeduse parking garages will replace surface parking on 16th Street to maximize space while creating an active pedestrian street. A stair tower with a glass facade on Broad Street will serve as a modern, landmark gesture for the city.

141

broad street gateway

team i // site analysis and concept master plan

Broad Street marks the transition point where the Reading Viaduct moves from a sunken corridor to the iconic raised portion of rail.

philadelphia

perspective //

view east across broad street

The Broad Street Gateway is a primary entry point onto the viaduct at Noble Street from Broad Street. With a generous pathway, trees, low plantings, and a mosaic wall, it is meant to increase the visibility of inconspicuous corridor. Closing Noble Street to vehicular traffic will help to create a safe pedestrian environment. The existing Leviâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hot Dogs train car diner should be relocated into the interior of the space.

broad street gateway

VIA

143

vine street gateway

team i // site analysis and concept master plan

Next to the up-and-coming Goldtex Building Lofts and located between Vine Street to the south and Callowhill Street to the north, this large and open portion of the Viaduct contains many historic rail structures.

VIA

philadelphia

mixed-use “arch building”

broad street gateway

goldtex building lofts

vine street

“rail yard” recreation lawn

entrance & visito r’s center

11 th street

re st

urban tree grove

axonometric

perspective //

vine street gateway

restored substation

view north to restored substation

This 1.5-acre segment of Via | Philadelphia is well-placed to become a significant park on the Viaduct corridor. Visitors access the site from Vine Street through an iconic glass building housing a combined staircase and elevator. A plaza would provide gathering space and quiet resting areas before park visitors begin exploring further along the linear park. Succession-type plantings will celebrate the site’s current wild beauty, while the renovated substation and catenary support structures celebrate Reading Railroad’s history on the site. 145

arch building

team i // site analysis and concept master plan

The raised segment of the Reading Viaduct presents visitors with unique and picturesque views of the Center City skyline.

VIA

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n roo

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et stre

ridge

tree

es obl

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arch building

axonometric

perspective //

view southwest through arch building

Buildings could capitalize vertical real estate above Via | Philadelphia and frame the views of the city skyline. This “arch building” provides space for small businesses, offices, and both market-rate and subsidized housing for the area’s residents. It simultaneously passes over Ridge Avenue and the park to create interesting viewsheds for park visitors, who can access Via | Philadelphia by way of a second-story mezzanine level. A green roof will insulate the building and capture stormwater runoff. 147

north end terminus

team i // site analysis and concept master plan

View of the Viaduct 9th Street branch in its current state, north toward Fairmount Avenue

philadelphia

a ram cces p/ s sta irs

resid e com ntial plex

farm e mar rs k e t buil ding

ce la et l wa tre s

offic build e ing

indu

stria

ive

SEP

TA tr

ack

axonometric

perspective //

l bu

ildin

g fai rm av oun en ue t

act

re st

north end terminus

VIA

view north to new office building

The North End Terminus will occupy four blocks at the very end of the Via | Philadelphia linear park, from Green Street north to Fairmount Avenue. The vacant building alongside the park will be renovated and expanded into a new, mixed-use development to include light industry, offices, residences, and an indoor/outdoor farmers market shelter. Programming elements on the viaduct include multiple paved plazas for social gathering, a lookout boardwalk, a community garden, and themed garden spaces.

149

VIA master plan | team ii

Philadelphia cindy culp • aaron karnas • dennis murphy • john tallon

VIA

philadelphia

1000 scale

Reconnect the community to the viaduct and rail lines • • • • •

Create gateways at significant opportunistic access points Provide street level signage Provide a path for circulation in zone 1 Provide informal seating and dining areas Provide open green space

Foster economic development

• Provide space for retail opportunities on the viaduct • Provide space for food opportunities on the viaduct • Recommend residential and mixed use development on vacant properties in the Callowhill neighborhood

Bring open green space to the city • Create open green spaces for the public • Provide spaces for unstructured play

Celebrate Philadelphia’s industrial history

• Preserve/reuse majority of onsite relics • Include story/educational component • Select materials/design features that evoke industrial history

Celebrate the character of Philadelphia • Include art, specifically murals

goals & objectives

team ii // site analysis

reconnecting the city

large green spaces

celebrate history

economic development emphasize character 153

VIA

philadelphia

Key parking

girard av

enue

ni lva sy

gateways with 5 minute walking radii bicycle lanes

broad stre

u en av

minor views

scale h1000 uy kil lr ive rt ra il

major views

nn pe

major roads highways

4 I-7

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transit

street

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I-676

market s

treet

gateways, circulation and views

3 benjam

in fran

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N 0

1000ft.

gateways • The concentration of gateway opportunities in the central portion of the site reveals where design energies should be focused. • Gateway opportunities throughout the site are within a 5 minute walking radii of either bike lanes, major roads, and the Broad Street subway line.

potentional gateway at north 21st and hamilton street

circulation • Via|philadelphia’s path intersects major roads and transportation infrastructure providing access opportunities. • Parking is available at key locations in the central Via|philadelphia district

analysis

the site is in close proximity to many forms of transportation

team ii // site analysis

views • Major views 1, 2, and 3 are of Center City and its skyline. View 4 offers a striking view of the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral. • View 5 is the view along the exposed section of the tracks.

• View 6 showcases the significant Inquirer building. • The length of Spring Garden Street is clearly visible in View 7.

5 1

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broad stre e

3 8 spring garden

4 5

market s

zone 1

{exposed}

zone 2 {tunnel}

street

treet

zone 3

{overstructure}

zone 4

{viaduct}

land use, attractions, and architecture

N 0

land use

Residential

• The dense residential use and ample green space near Zone 1 shows that the surrounding communities would benefit most from a circulation path that connects to other parts of the city.

Commercial

• Zone 2’s proximity to the museum district identifies the needs to provide street-level access to the tunnel. • Zone 3’s predominantly mixeduse zoning highlights the opportunity to draw in residents and workers in this area. Via|Philadelphia can provide respite space for those living and working in the hustle and bustle of the city’s vibrant community.

analysis

Institutional Vacant lots/buildings Attractions • The concentration of vacant properties in and around Zone 4 reveals the need for strategic infill near the viaduct. The communities in this zone lack access to public green space and would benefit from the wider portions of the viaduct being left in a more natural state.

1000ft.

team ii // site analysis

1 - Philadelphia Zoo

6 - Girard College

attractions

2 - Boathouse Row

7 - Eastern State Penitentiary

• The juxtaposition of Via|Philadelphia to many historic and cultural attractions presents an opportunity for our linear park to attract people from all over the city as well as the region.

architecture • Philadelphia’s rich industrial history, reflected in the concentration of industrial buildings in zone 4, provides multiple design element selection opportunities for Via|Philadelphia. 3 - Philadelphia Museum of Art

8 - Community College of Philadelphia

• Several vacant buildings in this zone can be redeveloped to provide commercial/retail opportunities • Several iconic buildings are adjacent to Via|Philadelphia and provide opportunities for economic revitalization by being restored and re-purposed with retail programming.

4 - The Franklin Institute

9 - The Pennsylvania Convention Center

5 - Academy of Natural Sciences

10 - The Electric Factory

• The former substation as well as the Spring Garden train station on Zone 4 can be restored and repurposed to provide retail venues, specifically a cafe and/or gift shop.

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hydrology, vegetation, and green space hydrology

VIA|philadelphia Watershed boundary Parks and Recreation centers

â&#x20AC;˘ Via | philadelphia straddles two major watersheds, the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers, providing an opportunity to relate to the educational component provided by the Fairmount Waterworks center.

Schuylkill River

analysis

NTS

Private open space resources Cemeteries Meadows Trails

Delaware River

team ii // site analysis

winter

summer

vegetation 1

• The vegetation types transition from zone to zone and offer opportunities to highlight different ecosystems and their corresponding plant communities. • A large proportion of the vegetation is invasive, although there are several native plants worth preserving.

green space • The abundant access to green space is characteristic of Zones 1 and 2, however Zone 4 is extremely underserved. This shows us where to provide ample green space in our design of this portion.

Abandoned pier on Delaware River

Schuykill River Bridge

• There is an opportunity for greater connection to and around the city by tying into pre-existing railroad infrastructure and creating a rails to trails system.

Tracks headed to Delaware River

159

philadelphia

girard aven

ylk

25th stre et

fairmount avenue

riv

17th stre

philadelphia museum of art

19th stre

21st stre

23rd stre

ill

fairmount park

ge rid

27th stre et

30th stre et

VIA

fra

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callowhill st

reet

y vine street

conceptual design

expressway

team ii // master plan

concept

13th stre

broad str

eet

15th stre et

The primary drivers of our design were practicality, connectivity, and suitability. We wanted to design a space with realistic limitations in mind. We also wanted the space to have the maximum connectivity possible. The idea of extending Via | Philadelphia around the city to the Delaware River was a major influence in this design decision. Finally with suitability, we wanted to design each space based on the needs of the surrounding communities, giving each part of Via | Philadelphia a different flavor depending upon which neighborhood it is adjacent to.

spring garden street

spatial elements Some major features in our design for Via | Philadelphia include gateways, gathering spaces, consideration for economic development, green spaces, historical references, and art elements. Each of the spaces in the following pages contain one or more of these features

N 0

500ft.

161

VIA

philadelphia

plant communities woodland canopy layer

Pin Oak

Red Maple

Black Locust

shrub layer

Spicebush

Witch Hazel

Arrowwood viburnum

herb layer

Maidenhair fern

Wood Anemone

Wild Ginger N

vegetation

500ft.

team ii // master plan

Common Rush

Cardinal Flower

Northern Blue Flag

Bulrush

Joe Pye Weed

Common Cattail

Pennsylvania Sedge

Switch Grass

wetland

meadow

Muhly Grass

Goldenrod

Butterfly Weed

Little Bluestem

Eastern Red Cedar

163

VIA

philadelphia

light column bollard pedestrian light column

citrus table and bantam chairs

forms+surfaces Furnishings by Forms+Surfaces were chosen for their sleek appearance and high durability. Choosing one family of furnishings gives a sense of continuity throughout the site.

universal receptacle

bevel benches

tangent rail seating

furnishings

team ii // master plan

knight bench (backless)

bike garden bike rack

knight bench (backed)

165

philadelphia

girard aven

17th stre et

19th stre et

21st stre et

fairmount avenue

spring garden street

eet 13th stre et

23rd stre et

ue en

broad str

25th stre et

rid

15th stre et

27th stre et

30th stre et

VIA

fra

lin

callowhill st

reet

vine street

expressway

N 0

broad street gateway

1000ft.

before

team ii // master plan

broad stre

terminal commerce building

inquirer building

a terminal commerce building

a’ a’

The Broad Street Gateway is a space that is safe for pedestrians and bicyclists. Noble Street has been closed and green streets best management practices implemented through the planting of trees. Food is available in the historical train car at the entrance of the site. The catenary references and celebrates the significance of the railroad in Philadelphia’s history.

after

167

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girard aven

17th stre et

19th stre et

21st stre et

fairmount avenue

spring garden street

eet 13th stre et

23rd stre et

ue en

broad str

25th stre et

rid

15th stre et

27th stre et

30th stre et

VIA

fra

lin

callowhill st

reet

vine street

expressway

N 0

vine street plaza

1000ft.

before

team ii // master plan

str

vine

stre

et e

xpr

ess

way

The Vine Street Gateway is a significant gateway and gathering space. It is characterized by universal access, strategic infill development, green space, a cafĂŠ, and historical railroad references.

after

169

philadelphia

girard aven

17th stre et

19th stre et

21st stre et

fairmount avenue

spring garden street

eet 13th stre et

23rd stre et

ue en

broad str

25th stre et

rid

15th stre et

27th stre et

30th stre et

VIA

fra

lin

callowhill st

reet

vine street

expressway

N 0

spring garden station cafĂŠ

1000ft.

before

percy

street

team ii // master plan

vernon s

The Spring Garden Station CafĂŠ is located within a re-purposed historical building on site and offers food and outdoor dining opportunities. Access to Via | Philadelphia is available through the adjacent building which houses artist studios. The cafĂŠ also houses gallery space.

green str

eet

10th stre

treet

8th street

9th stree

spring garden street

after

171

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girard aven

17th stre et

19th stre et

21st stre et

fairmount avenue

spring garden street

eet 13th stre et

23rd stre et

ue en

broad str

25th stre et

rid

15th stre et

27th stre et

30th stre et

VIA

fra

lin

callowhill st

reet

vine street

expressway

N 0

the lunch room

1000ft.

before

team ii // master plan

spring ga

rden stree

buttonwo

od street

street 17th stre et

hamilton

callowhill

street

wood stre

The Lunch Room offers respite to those that live and work in the hustle and bustle of the city by providing Via | Philadelphialevel food and outdoor dining opportunities. A dedicated bike lane safely separates pedestrians from bicyclists.

after

173

philadelphia

girard aven

17th stre et

19th stre et

21st stre et

fairmount avenue

spring garden street

eet 13th stre et

23rd stre et

ue en

broad str

25th stre et

rid

15th stre et

27th stre et

30th stre et

VIA

fra

lin

callowhill st

reet

vine street

expressway

N 0

the wetland

1000ft.

before

t 16th Stree

17th Stree

team ii // master plan

The wetland takes advantage of the existing plant community and provides a habitat for wildlife in the middle of the city. A proposed Ned Kahn art installation on existing infrastructure enhances the artistic character of Philadelphia.

after

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girard aven

17th stre et

19th stre et

21st stre et

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spring garden street

eet 13th stre et

23rd stre et

ue en

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25th stre et

rid

15th stre et

27th stre et

30th stre et

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lin

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reet

vine street

expressway

N 0

the tunnel

1000ft.

before

team ii // master plan

section of west tunnel entrance looking east

The tunnel is being utilized as a circulation path for pedestrians and bicyclists, providing a vital link from one end of the city to the other. An historical timeline of Philadelphiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s railroad and industrial history adorns the walls and a Ned Kahn art installation takes advantage of the incoming light from the above street grates.

after

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philadelphia

Railyard Plaza is a significant gateway space that showcases an iconic water feature and unique railcar planters.

girard aven

17th stre et

19th stre et

21st stre et

fairmount avenue

spring garden street

eet 13th stre et

23rd stre et

ue en

broad str

25th stre et

rid

15th stre et

27th stre et

30th stre et

VIA

fra

lin

callowhill st

reet

vine street

expressway

N 0

railyard plaza

1000ft.

before

team ii // master plan

The plaza is universally accessible and also houses a bike rental facility. hamilton s

21st stree

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nia

after

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ylk

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VIA

looking forward

Via|

phila

delp

hia

team ii // master plan

planning for the future hi

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In the decades to come, we envision Via | Philadelphia becoming a key part of the urban fabric of Philadelphia. With the inclusion of the Lehigh Viaduct, as well as the proposed East Coast Greenway along Delaware Avenue and Spring Garden Street, Via | Philadelphia could form the backbone of a large connecting loop around a large area of the city. This project would support Philadelphiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Green2015 plan and the development plans of the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation. For this reason, it is important that Via | Philadelphia is designed in a way that this larger design option remains available, but also in such a way that it becomes a destination unto itself until that greater vision becomes a reality.

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VIA

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image credits Photo Credits: in order of appearance [large green spaces] http://viaductgreene.org/soaring-submersive/ [economic development] http:// ca.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fitxer:Comcast_center_feb07.JPG [emphasize character] http://www.thelightingpractice.com/projects/avenue-of-thearts/; Pg. 6 […close proximity to…transportation] http://thetransitpass.wordpress.com/2009/10/26/septa-union-ponders-strike/septa-busgo-phillies; Pg. 7 [3 (view of center city)] http://viaductgreene.org/soaring-submersive/; Pg. 9 [1 – Philadelphia Zoo] http://thesummerlad. com/best-zoos-in-america.html/philadelphia-zoo [2 – Boathouse Row] http://www.planetware.com/picture/philadelphia-us-pa141.htm [3 – Philadelphia Museum of Art] http://www.globeimages.net/img2547.search.htm [4 – The Franklin Institute] http://www.mamacheaps. com/tag/franklin-institute [5 – Academy of Natural Sciences] http://helpfors.narod.ru/USA/Philadelphia/Philadelphia_2.html [6 – Girard College] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Girard_College.jpg [7 – Eastern State Penitentiary] http://www.citypass.com/philadelphia/easternstate-penitentiary [8 – Community College of Philadelphia] http://www.avenueofthearts.org/events_details.asp?id=217&did=209 [9 – The Pennsylvania Convention Center] http://sponsorships.theexpogroup.com/SETS/Facility.aspx?facilityID=140 [10 – The Electric Factory] http://emilysphillyphavs.wordpress.com/2012/02/22/the-electric-factory/ ; Pg. 10 [Schuylkill River] http://philadelphia.about.com/od/photo_ galleries/ig/zooballoon_photos/zoo_balloon_05.htm [Delaware River] http://fineartamerica.com/featured/philadelphia-skyline-from-thedelaware-river-brendan-reals.html; Pg. 11 [summer – 1, 2, & 3] http://viaductgreene.org/soaring-submersive/ [Abandoned pier on Delaware River] Travis Walton Waugh [Schuylkill River Bridge] Joseph Glassart[Tracks headed to Delaware River] – [train tracks by hlindc]; Pg. 14 [Pin Oak] http://www.brookeruntreefarm.com/oak.html [Black Locust] http://www.finegardening.com/plantguide/robinia-pseudoacacia-frisiagolden-locust.aspx [Red Maple] http://castlepineshoa.net/controls.aspx [Spicebush] http://www.grownative.org/plants/info.asp?id=68 [Witch Hazel] http://www.bestplants.org/plantdetail pl?ScientificName=Hamamelis%20virginiana [Arrowwood Viburnum] http://www. pendernursery.com/Catalog/Detail/viburnumdentatumsynnestvedtchi.html [Maidenhair Fern] http://www.blueskynursery.ca/index.php?/ products/detail/126/ [Wood Anemone] http://www.astwood-herefordshire.co.uk/gallery/index.php [Wild Ginger] http://www.wildflower.org/ gallery/result.php?id_image=21411 Pg. 15 [Common Rush] http://www.northcreeknurseries.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/plants.plantDetail/ plant_id/374/index.htm [Cardinal Flower] http://www.monchesfarm.com/PhotoGalleryL.htm [Northern Blue Flag] http://www.pfaf.org/user/ Plant.aspx?LatinName=Iris+versicolor [Bulrush] http://www.plantsystematics.org/imgs/mha8/r/Cyperaceae_Scirpus_cyperinus_4579. html [Joe Pye Weed] http://www.biology.washington.edu/mhg/visit.html [Common Cattail] http://www.bhic.org/island-vegetation [Pennsylvania Sedge] http://www.bluestem.ca/carex-pensylvanica.htm [Switch Grass] http://www.fosc.org/EastWayneLID/SwitchGrass. htm [Muhly Grass] http://www.laughingswanfarm.com/muhlenbergia.php [Goldenrod] http://www.nativehaunts.com/phenology.html [Butterfly Weed] http://www.thismia.com/A/Asclepias_tuberosa.html [Little Bluestem] http://www.northcreeknurseries.com/index.cfm/ fuseaction/plants.plantDetail/plant_id/390/index.htm [Eastern Red Cedar] http://www.gpnc.org/eastern.htm; Pg. 16 [light column bollard], [pedestrian light column], [universal receptacle], [bevel benches], [tangent rail seating] - http://www.forms-surfaces.com/; Pg. 17 [knight bench (backless)], [knight bench (backed)], [bike garden bike rack] http://www.forms-surfaces.com/; Pg. 18 [before] http://maps.google. com/; Pg. 27 [Technorama Façade (middle right)] http://nedkahn.com/wind.html; Pg. 29 [Seismic Sea (top right)] http://nedkahn.com/ water.html

182

team ii // master plan

183

philadelphia

big

and

VIA

little team iii | Felicia Di Pietro | Matthew Nelson | Leah Purdy | Amy Syverson

team iii // site analysis and concept master plan

VIA

philadelphia

goals and objectives // connect and engage

team iii // site analysis and concept master plan

c o n n e c t // attractions - design connections to attractions - physical connections - marketing and way-finding connections

c o n n e c t // street - stair access - universal access: ramps and elevators to Via | Philadelphia through improved sight lines

c o n n e c t // adjoining buildings - Via | Philadelphia as a front stoop, a back yard, and a public plaza

c o n n e c t // from here to there

- capture the opportunity for a linear park - walking - biking - embrace the opportunity to jump the vine street expressway

187

VIA

philadelphia

goals and objectives // connect and engage

team iii // site analysis and concept master plan

en g a g e // urban ecologies - wooded ravine - wetland - upland glade

en g a g e // local creative economy

- urban native plant nursery - light industrial mixed use buildings - market - partnerships with users of spaces

en g a g e // events and activities - outdoor movie screenings - events spaces - multi functional active play/ passive spaces - court games - climbing walls

en g a g e // natural phenomena - camera obscura - add sunlight and water garden - urban ecological research station - urban native plant nursery

189

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connectivity + landmarks districts brewery town fairmount spring garden callowhill chinatown northern liberties museum district rittenhouse square washington square old city society hill university city temple university

landmarks A B C D E F G H I J K L M

N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

connection nodes // walking/biking radii This map encompasses multiple levels of contextual information. At a city-level scale, we can observe the entire Via | Philadelphia at once, and recognize the four major connection nodes along the site. From each node - five, ten, and fifteen minute walking radii are displayed which encompass various landmarks in the city. Students from University City campuses and Temple University can access the site within a five minute bike ride.

5 min. bike ride

northern liberties

center city

museum district

fairmount park

190

UNIVERSITY CITY

team iii // site analysis and concept master plan

TEMPLE UNIVERSITY

broad st.

NORTHERN LIBERTIES

10 15

10 15 V

P T

I-9

5 th st.

st. expy. CHINATOWN

RITTENHOUSE SQUARE

I-676 vine

MUSEUM DISTRICT

spring garden st.

ll e

lki

I-7

5 10

ela

CALLOWHILL

W exp

SPRING GARDEN

OLD CITY

market s

WASHINGTON SQUARE

SOCIETY HILL

m inu

te b

ike

rid

10 th st.

20 th st.

fairmount ave.

25 th st.

m inu

FAIRMOUNT

te b

girard ave.

rid

lva

ike

ri d

5 10 15

15 th st.

30 th st.

BREWERY TOWN

nts

191

VIA

philadelphia

cultural currents

brewerytown

1. cornbread: godfather of graffiti

3 4

2. mural: shepard fairey

fairmount

3. mugshots: B-Corp founder

4. puppet karaoke: m room

5. free play: eastern state â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;play penâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

6. flea market: on fairmount ave

7. bastille day: fairmount tradition

8. local food: spring gardens

9. incamminati: realist art institute

10. block party: mad descent

11. locally sourced: Mioculture

13. punk rock flea market

15. public art billboard: zoe strauss

12. loft living: loft district apartment

The Via | Philadelphia site gains much of its unique character from cultural currents in the five neighborhoods the abandoned right of way passes through. For this study, cultural currents can be thought of as grass-roots movements that have gained momentum to create a wider cultural impact, outside the community of original movement founders. This

14. a show at union transfer

study by no means captures all of the cultural currents, but merely provides a snapshot into the types of unique things we discovered while researching this site.

16. go go and whiskey: the trestle

These currents vary a great deal from east to west as they take hold in neighborhoods of differing demographic makeup and historical character. The typical and pervasive currents that repeat along our site also speak to the type of users and uses that would greatly impact any future public space.

broad s treet

team iii // site analysis and concept master plan

5 6

7 8

poplar

spring garden callowhill

10 14 12 11 v in e s t r e et expre sswa At the north east end of Via | Philadelphia, we see a blend of currents that associate both with public/street art and with public/ business interest. The ‘godfather of graffiti,’ known as cornbread (1),was featured in a documentary film that first aired during Brewerytown’s 2010 Art and Soul Food festival. To celebrate the event, well known street artist, Shepard Fairey, was commissioned to install a wheat pasting (2) as part of the Philadelphia Mural Arts program. Just down the street, Mugshots coffee shop (3) holds strong to a local business ethic as a founder of the B-Corp business rating system. B-Corporations are certified on a number of scales of ethical and enrichment

9 y

value. They must, “Meet comprehensive and transparent social and environmental performance standards” (bcorp.net). The B-Corp certification shifts focus from shareholders to stakeholders. The Fairmount neighborhood supports such unique things as puppet karaoke (4), free or adventure play (5), the Philadelphia flea market (6), and the annual Bastille Day celebration (7). These currents show both the potential for a stable neighborhood to deal well with the influx and needs of changing populations, and the capacity for these neighborhoods to provide unexpected creativity, creating markets that flock to the city.

16 N

nts

Cultural currents at the east end of Via | Philadelphia take on a different look that is largely characterized by the abandoned and industrial urban form. Vacant space and obsolete manufacturing facilities provide a hotbed of creative, grass roots, uses. Included in the uses of this neighborhood that would impact a future public space are the presence of nationally recognized block parties (10), popular independent music venues (14), and events like the punk rock flea market (13). Public art by Zoe Strauss, documenting the changing city, is displayed on billboards adjacent to our site (15), and is now also on display at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

VIA

philadelphia

physical connections // fairmount connection

pe nn

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lva nia av e.

1 kelly

d r.

N 0

creating connections Much of VIA| philadelphia is not at grade with the street. The site is predominantly formed by valleys sunken below grade, viaducts that rise over head, and subterranean tunnels. Creating safe and visible connections from the street level to the site will allow for visitors to access the site form a variety of locations, tying into existing pedestrian circulation and adjacent open space. Convenient entrances will create opportunity for the site to be used as a throughway to major city attractions and as a walking and biking path between city neighborhoods.

194

1. 30th street

300ft.

symbology

At-Grade Connection Surrounded by predominantly residential land use, the terminus of 30th street at Pennsylvania Avenue offers a potential gateway to the park for Brewery Town residents.

at - grade

bridge

2. 29th street

Bridge Connection Preserve and expand on the existing pedestrian bridge that spans the rail corridor below. Offers a connection to Fairmount Park and the Kelly Drive trails.

team iii // site analysis and concept master plan

30th street + pennsylvania avenue

1 South at the Terminus of 30th Street

Northwest Toward the Poplar Street bridge

29th street + pennsylvania avenue

2 Southeast on Pennsylvania Avenue

Northwest on Existing CSX Rail Line 195

VIA

philadelphia

physical connections // the tunnel

e n n sy lv

fairmount ave.

a n ia a ve .

12 spring g arden s t.

1. pennsylvania avenue

Stair Connection

Pennsylvania Ave is a busy boulevard for both vehicles and pedestrians. This node should connect to the underground park through stairwells set into existing light wells, ensuring that the intervention does not interfere with existing space allocated to parking.

300ft.

symbology

stairs

elevator

2. pennsylvania avenue Elevator Connection

An elevator on Pennsylvania Ave connects to an extensive existing network of accessible pedestrian circulation, and creates a highly visible entrance as a beacon to visitors. 196

an outdoor elevator, source: klingon65 flickr.com

team iii // site analysis and concept master plan

pennsylvania avenue | above grade

1 Northwest up Pennsylvania Avenue

Southeast down Pennsylvania Avenue

pennsylvania avenue | below grade

Light wells under Pennsylvania Avenue 197

VIA

philadelphia

physical connections // the cut

spring

5 st.

st.

broad

12 3 4

garden

vine st . e x p y. (i-676) N 0

1. 20th street

4. matthias baldwin park

Connects to Via | Philadelphia at the Granary, this ramp can also be used for maintenance and construction vehicles.

Utilizes the adjacent, and already popular, Matthias Baldwin park to create universal access.

2. 20th street

5. callowhill street

Ramp Connection

Stair Connection

3. matthias baldwin park Stair Connection

198

Elevator Connection

Ramp Connection

Allows access for both delivery vehicles and pedestrians into the right of way under the Philadelphia Inquirer.

300ft.

symbology

stairs

elevator

ramp

team iii // site analysis and concept master plan

1 2 3 4 5

Ramp to 20th Street

East from 20th Street

Matthias Baldwin Park

Ramp on Callowhill Street along Inquirer Building

VIA

philadelphia

physical connections // viaduct

6 dg e av

n st.

g gar de

ave

broad

st.

5 4

sprin

fai

vine st . e x p y. (i-676)

N 0

1. broad street

4. spring garden street

6. fairmount avenue

Connects to Via | Philadelphia at Noble Street. Potential gateway for a 9th Street Branch park.

Spring Garden Street is a major artery and highly used street in Philadelphia. Spring Garden Street offers a visual connection and a great opportunity for having eyes on the site and getting people to explore it.

Via | Philadelphia terminates at Fairmount Avenue in an area that is better fit for parking and lends itself to handicap accessibility.

At-Grade Connection

2. 13th street

Stair Connection 13th Street runs under the viaduct and creates an overpass fit for steps and is one of the few visual connections from street level.

3. vine street

Bridge Connection VIne street presents the best opportunity for connecting the viaduct with Center City.

Stair Connection

Elevator Connection

300ft.

symbology

stairs

elevator

5. green street

Ramp Connection An Ideal form of connection for bikes and strollers is a ramp. On the vacant land west of the viaduct off of Green Street, a gradual ramp connection can occur and run parallel with the viaduct. It is at this point where the difference between the elevation at ground level and that of the viaduct are at a minimum.

ramp

at - grade

bridge

team iii // site analysis and concept master plan

1 2 3 4 5 6

North on 13th Street

West on Vine Street

South on Broad Street

East on Spring Garden Street

East on Green Street

East on Fairmount Street

VIA

philadelphia

adjacent vacancies and building connections // zone 3

spring

connect to | the granary

the granary buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first life was as an elevator for the city branch rail line. It would be fitting to create a new accessible entrance at this location.

st.

broad

garden

vine st . e x p y. (i-676) N 0

300ft.

development opportunities New development along the Via | Philadelphia site, for which there is abundant opportunity, would both greatly impact the new park and benefit any future developments. Connections made between existing buildings and Via | Philadelphia would help to ensure access to users and stakeholders for the new public space. There are both buildings and parcels of vacant land available for purchase and re-development along the site. These properties are subject to the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s visioning plan and zoning code. Certain types of development may be deemed more appropriate to the existing and intended land uses of these areas. This map

examines the vacant properties, vacant zoning, and opportunities to tie existing buildings to Via | Philadelphia through design interventions. For this analysis, we choose to look at buildings or lots that provide a direct redevelopment opportunity for our site by promising a physical connection to the park. All of the five directly adjacent vacant buildings are located in zones 3 and 4 and are either zoned for commercial or industrial redevelopment.

1. the granary

2. 19th street rowhome

Zoned C4

Grain Elevator | Built in 1925

Vacant Rowhome | Age unknown

68,000 sq ft available for development 4,500 sq ft on 2 floors on 6 floors. Current design for redevelopment proposed by Onion Flats

team iii // site analysis and concept master plan

adjacent vacancies and building connections // zone 4 fai

connect to | local users

dg e

ave

st.

g gar den

increase a day-time park user base by tapping into the needs of local workers. This Drexel Medicine lab building may provide the opportunity for a mezzanine entrance onto the park, an outdoor space for breaks and new options (and customers) for lunch

sprin

connect to | goldtex + new developments making strong inside-out type connections to buildings along this crucial area could benefit both the future uses of the buildings and the public space.

connect to | renovated uses

m as part of a crucial connecting corridor, the re-imagined inquirer building could benefit form a mezzanine fronting directly onto the flow of Via | Philadelphia

st.

broad

connect to | the enquirer

up the value of newly renovated uses by connecting them physically to Via | Philadelphia. These connections may or may not be public, but will provide value regardless.

vine st . e x p y. (i-676)

300ft.

symbology m

mezzanine level indoor elevator bridge

vacant land 5. haverford cycle

3. grocery & produce

Zoned G2

Vacant Factory | Age unknown

Bicycle factory| Built 1897

Wholesale food packing and distribution warehouse | Age unknown

140,300 sq ft on 9 floors, recently approved for a 2 floor expansion, resulting in 167,500 sq ft. Designs currently proposed by Onion Flats.

47,000 sq ft available on 7 floors. Currently on the market for $ 2.5 m.

3. goldtex

60,000 sq ft available on 3 floors.

RC4 | 76,989 sq ft G2 | 192,540 sq ft C3 | 65,796 sq ft

203

VIA

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site challenges // fairmount connection

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kelly

d r.

1 N 0

300ft.

designing for site challenges In every design project, there are certain aspects that should be directed based on the analysis of specific areas. Throughout the VIA | Philadelphia site, there are areas of concern that need to be addressed by the goals of our anticipated design. These issues include hydrological, safety, and contamination problems along our three mile site. Our goal is to remediate these areas and create a space that can provide a sense of completeness and connectivity while remaining true to Philadelphia spirit. Many of these areas of concern can be addressed by sustainable practices; such as creating storm water and capping contaminated soils.

204

We also aim to address spaces that people perceive as unsafe by incorporating lighting, enhancing visibility to and from the site and specifying hours of operation for some of the parks programmed spaces. Our intent is to enact both aesthetic and practical solutions to address any areas of concern and create a space that is safe for everyone to enjoy.

hydrological issues

This is an area of concern because stormwater flowing onto the site collects here in depressions. Here, sustainable stormwater and drainage practices should be incorporated along with educational signage.

team iii // site analysis and concept master plan

site challenges // the tunnel

1 e

n n sy

fairmount ave.

lv a n ia a ve .

2 spring g arden

st.

3 kl

300ft.

safety issues

The entrance into the tunnel from the Fairmount District does not provide a sense of comfort. It is confined and dark.

The central part of the tunnel feels dangerous due to its lack of sunlight, lack of accessibility to street level, and lack of space. This space could be a well-lit connection hub into the central part of the city.

The entrance to the tunnel nearest the police station is littered with debris and trash, creating an unsightly area. The tendency for debris to accumulate here, whether due to rushing stormwater or to illegal dumping, will need to be addressed in the design phase.

205

VIA

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site challenges // the cut

spring

4 fr

st.

broad

garden

vine st . e x p y. (i-676) N 0

hydrological issues

206

safety issues Exposed areas below street level become areas of concern due to their low depressions, causing excess water buildup and restricting the usage of certain vegetation. This could be a possibility to incorporate sustainable stormwater management practices and educate the public about such systems.

These buildings adjacent to the low depressions of the site funnel stormwater into the site.

Even though this area is adjacent to the police station, the existing, underground parking area along the site raises concern due to the approximation away from street level. This â&#x20AC;&#x153;basement-likeâ&#x20AC;? area raises concern about safety and addressing this issue could benefit the surrounding businesses directly above.

300ft.

team iii // site analysis and concept master plan

site challenges // viaduct

fai

ave

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st.

g gar den

sprin

st.

broad

vine st . e x p y. (i-676)

N 0

contamination issues

1 2 3

safety issues Many of these areas are comprised of high concentrations of lead or arsenic in the soil and cause limitations on practical remediation of the affected areas of concern. Our design will address these issues to create an aesthetically safe place for Philadelphians to gather.

hydrological issues

300ft.

The topography of the viaduct itself begins to rise into the ninth street branch along Noble Street (past the existing railway car). This spot has the potential for catching stormwater and preventing it from crossing Broad Street in an aesthetic manner.

The intersections where the viaduct overhangs the street becomes an area of concern, especially during the night hours when lighting is limited. In order to increase comfort ability, lighting or other practical uses of these spaces will be incorporated into our design.

passageway are poorly lit and most are covered in lead based paint, causing contamination to the land above. Decontamination of area is key in order to be appropriate to achieve our design goal(s) while keeping the existing rustic feel of the materials.

207

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relics and views // fairmount connection

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1 2

kelly

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3 N

relics

views

pedestrian bridge over site

1. looking onto site from the street

fence on the eastern edge of the site

2. looking to northern end of the site

3. typical zone 1 view

typical black limestone retaining wall on both sides of the site

300ft.

Relics on the site such as the pedestrian bridge, the fence, and black limestone walls should be preserved and refurbished. Maintaining them will help to give historic value to the place and keep some of its original integrity within the new design. The views in zone 1 are unimpressive and cluttered with invasive vegetation. The vegetation should be removed and cleared to allow for a more open and expansive view of the site. The view 1 of zone 1 is the only place that connects up directly to the street and needs to create a grand entrance view. The other views do not currently focus on anything important. The design of the space should strive to create comfortable views for the sites visitors.

team iii // site analysis and concept master plan

relics and views // the tunnel 2 ke

n n sy lv

fairmount ave.

a n ia a ve .

relics

typical arch that alternate sides of the tunnel every 50â&#x20AC;&#x2122; (NOT MAPPED)

views

steam vents now let natural light into the dark tunnel

1. southern entrance of tunnel

2. northern entrance of tunnel

3. typical view inside tunnel

spring g arden s t.

1 y.

N 0

300ft.

In zone 2 the relics that remain are structural elements of the underground train tunnel. The structure is unlit except for the natural light that enters through the steam vents once used to release steam engine smoke. These vents should remain because they allow natural light but some could even become entrances to the tunnel through use of elevators or stair cases. The arches should remain for historical and structural value. They could even be light to provide an interesting light feature within the tunnel. The current views of the entrances to and inside the tunnel are dark and forboding. They need to be redesigned to create views that are inviting to users. This could possibly be done by lighting the inside of the tunnel with soft light and by cleaning the entrance areas to allow clear views into the space so that it does not seem so desolate.

VIA

philadelphia

relics and views // the cut

spring

garden

st.

vine st . e x p y. (i-676)

broad

relics

typical black limestone wall enclosing on both sides of the site

fence along ramp leading beside the inquirer building

tracks and cobbles that have been unearthed from macadam

300ft.

Zone 3 contains a few relics such as a black limestone wall, a short stretch of iron fence, and some cobbles and tracks that are partial covered by macadam. Maintaining the black limestone wall is the most important relic to keep. It creates a connection with zone 1 through the use of the same material. If the Tracks and cobbles can be unearthed they could be reused in the design or remain in the ground where they are as a reminder of the past. The fence could also be moved to a moved so that it is actually on the site and not edging the sidewalk.

views

A view to the comcast center is seen as you emerge out of the tunnel at the wester end of zone 3. In this zone the site is sunken and often enclosed by buildings. Views should be created within these sunken areas instead of trying to look outside the site. Birds eye views should also be considered when designing in this part of the site because of the number of bridges and overpasses here. Creating a view down with draw pedestrians to look into the site and make users feel safer there.

1. view to the

comcast center

team iii // site analysis and concept master plan

relics and views // viaduct fai

ave

ri dg

e av e.

spring garden st.

st.

5 broad

vine st . e x p y. (i-676)

relics track dividers

tracks

1. substation building 2. train station

views

and equipment

1. view to

city

2. view to ukrainian

cathedral church

typical catenaries

3. old train car now

300ft.

Zone 4 has the most relics to offer. The tracks remain intact across the 9th street branch. Track dividers should remain on site though not necessarily in their current position and can be typical control boxes converted into seating walls. Catenaries can be along rail lines used to grow vines or for many other purposes. Relic buildings also lie on this part of the site that can be converted for other uses, such as a restaurant in the train station or a visitors center in the abandoned substation. Zone 4 offers some of the best views on the entire Via Philadelphia site. From a number of stops there is a great view to the skyscrapers of center city. These views should be maintained or enhance because they add to the atmosphere of the site and help to make feel like a piece of Philadelphia and connect it to the heart of the city. Views the iconic Ben Franklin bridge and the beautiful Ukrainian Cathedral Church also add to the sites majesty.

serves food

3. view to the ben franklin bridge

4. view to center city

5. view to center city

6. view to center city

VIA

ma s t e r p l a n philadelphia

30th st.

girard ave.

25th st.

fairmount connection

kelly dr.

the tunnel

20th st.

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r ive

ll r

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team iii // site analysis and concept master plan

big and little A design concept that brings big ideas for positive impact little physical intervention upon the site and its history.

ount

broad st.

the viaduct ge

rid

15th st.

the cut

ave.

10th st.

farim

. ave

spring garden st.

I-676

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1000ft.

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the viaduct a // broad street entrance

A universally accessible point of entry from broad street into the site is important for safe pedestrian circulation. This point of connection draws visitors with food vendors and a shaded plaza.

b // vine street pedestrian bridge

A point of entry from 12th street that allows pedestrians safe, uninterrupted passage over the vine street expressway. The connection to the proposed green street (12th Street) brings pedestrians directly into center city.

c // Via|Philadelphia museum

The unique rustic look of the old substation is renovated into the VIA|philadelphia museum, allowing guests to explore the history both physically and digitally.

d // restoration nursery and light industry

Two former industrial buildings located across the viaduct from one another get a new industrial life and are linked together through the proposed park. The native nursery serves as the headquarters and an ecological restoration center for the new park. The Haverford Cycle Company is dedicated to light industry and small scale manufacturing of all kinds.

Charter school plaza with kids engaged in free play.

e // charter school plaza

Adjacent to the Folk-Arts Cultural Treasures Charter School, a plaza made of fixed and moveable components accommodates both school children in class activities or unstructured play and more passive daily users. Perfectly round benches and walls on tracks create spaces of their own within the expansive space of the viaduct, allowing flexibility for a number of uses.

f // grounded goods cafe

While repurposing the unique qualities of the spring garden station into a cafe/dining area, this space also allows local artists in the adjacent 915 spring garden artists studios to work with the community and publicly display their work.

g // movie night

An attraction at the terminus of the viaduct, a wide lawn makes a great place to watch movies on summer evenings. The screen is hung from the catenary at the very end of the viaduct.

Via|Philadelphia smart phone app

Visitors to the park, with smart phones or computers, can learn more about the site through an app. Some of the app features include guided walking tours (with photos of the rail line in its heyday), event calendars, and more.

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Catenary supports a retractable outdoor screen for movie nights.

team iii // site analysis and concept master plan

the viaduct farim

ount

ave.

broad st.

10 th st.

rid .

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f spring garden st.

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Broad Street entrance

Vine Street pedestrian bridge

team iii // site analysis and concept master plan

This section shows the raised plaza connecting the new restoration nursery and park headquarters to the former haverford cycle company which has found a new life in light industrial uses.

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Via | Philadelphia museum

team iii // site analysis and concept master plan

Artists showing their work in front of Grounded Goods Coffee House.

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the cut a // cairn walk

This previously paved area is transformed into an entry court for the new park through a small, shovel-ready intervention. New planting beds are laid out, the existing asphalt is cut, then the pieces are stacked into sculptural â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;cairns.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; The cairns, which are inspired by stone trail markers that can be found around the world, mark a starting point for this new linear park.

b // urban wetland and research station

Located in the lowest depression within this linear park, a wetland brings diversity to the urban ecological systems and sustainable practices into the city. The research intensive space also educates visitors to the park in partnership with the Academy of Natural Sciences.

Cairn walk

Inquirer market

c // court games

An unusual opportunity to play courtgames outdoors, these universal courts can be used for racquetball, squash, and handball.

d // woodland walk

Users of the site engage in the ecological system of a woodland within city limits. The black limestone walls create a ravine that is still, quiet and isolated from the bustling city.

e // inquirer market

A market under the existing inquirer building specializes in fresh, local food, locally made goods, and supplies that local workshops need. The bike path continues uninterrupted through the market, separated from pedestrians through carefully planned circulation, ensuring a quick trip from one end of Via | philadelphia to the other.

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team iii // site analysis and concept master plan

spring ga

15 th st.

20th st.

the cut

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fra

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Research station and pond section

team iii // site analysis and concept master plan

Looking at local students and business people playing court games in the cut from street level.

Urban wetland and research station walk section

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the tunnel a // responsive lighting

After dusk and in sections of the tunnel where light is scarce, motion sensor controlled lighting turns from yellow to blue whenever a visitor walks by. This responsive lighting system enhances visibility by allowing each visitor to see where every other visitor is at all times.

b // camera obscura

Here, the outside world is projected onto the inside of the tunnel through the simple technology of light passing through a lens.

c // bike hub

Responsive lighting makes the tunnel not only safe but interesting at night.

To cut down on CO2 emissions, this hub promotes bike use throughout Via | Philadelphia and Fairmount Park. The hub includes a cafe, bike rental, bike parking, an industrial elevator and ramp access into the tunnel.

d // garden machine

An underground garden created by the addition of water and sunlight through passive technologies.

e // rock climbing plaza

The ravine directly adjacent to the Rodin Museum, which is surrounded by large scale black limestone walls, has the potential to be used for rock climbing. The large space also allows for a plaza to sit and watch rock climbers or have a quiet lunch. A large fountain provides a secluded area free from city sounds.

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Climbers enliven the plaza that lies just outside the southern end of the tunnel.

Via| Philadelphia brand bicycles that can be rented from the bike hub

team iii // site analysis and concept master plan

25th st.

the tunnel

a b

lva

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Solar panels at the bike hub run the reactive lighting in the tunnel at night and shelter parked bikes from weather.

team iii // site analysis and concept master plan

the camera obscura // day light throughout the day

Section: Perleman Annex

Section: Pennsylvania Ave. between Spring Garden and 22nd Street

b The changing color of the sky and the movement of street trees become both the source of light, and a design

feature in the camera obscura. At night, the lights of the city above create abstractions in the space below. The garden machine questions what is technology and what is natural phenomena. Here, plants are maintained solely through the addition of light and water. With no further intervention, the plants are the evidence of what invisible things are at work in this garden.

A camera obscura is really just a box with a hole in it. When light passes through

The garden machine treats the conditions necessary for life (water and sunlight)

the hole, the outside image is projected on the opposite side of the box upside

as utilities. The utilities are â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;pipedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; into the underground garden. Rainwater

down and backwards. A lens can be used to further focus and intensify this

is collected from a rain garden above, and comes to the garden through the

naturally occurring phenomena.

phenomena of gravity. Sunlight is collected from a solar collector above, then travels through fibre optic cables to a solar diffuser inside the tunnel.

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the tunnel // how it is affected by light at different times of the day b

6 am

9 am

12 pm

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team iii // site analysis and concept master plan

3 pm

6 pm

9 pm

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the fairmount connection

Entrance to Via|Philadelphia from Fairmount Park

a // fairmount park entrance

An important at grade connection is made to Fairmount park at one of Via | Philadelphiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s apexes. Here the bike trails and walkings paths of the linear site can meld with those of Philadelphiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest park. Because an active train line runs parallel to the site, train crossing arms alert park visitors to when it is unsafe to cross the tracks. Further down the site, the active line is blocked from visitors by trees and shrubs.

bike trail

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team iii // site analysis and concept master plan

30th st.

the fairmount connection

girard ave.

fairmount park

kelly dr.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;With little intervention, Via | Philadelphia can have a positive impact for Philadelphia by simply connecting people to the park while engaging them with its combined existing character and added amenities.â&#x20AC;?

10th st.

big and little

spring garden st.

- team iii

Photo Credit: ViaductGreene

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team iii // site analysis and concept master plan

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team IV // holly bonacum // diana fernandez // johnny keiser // peter marotta

master plan

VIA | philadelphia

VIA

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team iv // profile We are a diverse design team, Philadelphia is a diverse city. Team iv recognizes the multi - faceted role a landscape architect plays. We cooperate to produce thoughtful work through thorough

THE SUBURBANITE Holly Bonacum Doylestown, PA

research, critical analysis, insightful goals and tangible design solutions. A landscape

THE NEIGHBOR

architect could be characterized as a gardener, planner, environmental engineer, landscaper, artist, arborist, horticulturists,

a landscape architect, we prefer to simply think of ourselves as designers.

Diana Fernandez Cherry Hill, NJ

THE CITY SLICKER

Johnny Keiser Philadelphia, PA

architect, or any combination of the above. Instead of creating an intensive definition of

THE TOURIST Peter Marotta Boston, MA LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT // designer defined role // engage the * process of making an impact with a design in this present time by learning from past designs and informing future designs. design process // by gaining an understanding of the users needs and possible design opportunities, a designer can then undertake the design process characterized by: users profile, research, synthesis, analysis, goals, and objectives. task // by engaging this process, a designer seeks to form seamless relationships between the users of the design and the environment of the users.

* what does this process look like?

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team iv // site analysis and concept master plan

design process // client identify user

identify user// the people of philadelphia, both citizens and visitors. So then, the city of Philadelphia becomes the client.

client profile // Philadelphia is an american city related to the eastern metropolitan centers of Boston, New York City, and Washington D.C. The city expresses three major strengths to focus on for future impacts: a strong metropolitan center; diverse, authentic neighborhoods; and industrial legacy areas.

client’s needs // * based on Philadelphia 2035 development plan

thrive // philadelphians thrive in the center of a competitive metropolitan region.

neighborhoods // improve neighborhood livability

Promote strong and well-balanced neighborhood centers by improving the quality and diversity of new and existing housing.

economic development // make Philadelphia more competitive in the metropolitan region

Support the growth of economic centers, target industrial lands for continued growth and developments, grow Philadelphia’s strong institutional job sectors, and develop tourism and the arts as strong economic sectors.

land management // capitalize on land assets

Manage and reduce vacancy, protect sensitive lands from over development, and manage all non-community-based facilities efficiently.

connect // philadelphians connect seamlessly to the region and the world.

transportation // improve transportation safety, efficiency, and convenience

Increase the use of transit to reduce environmental impacts and travel time, balance the use of roadways to ensure safe and efficient travel by all modes, provide a safe and efficient road network, and enhance the economy by supporting airports, seaports, and freight rail.

utilities // adapt services to changing technology and consumption patterns provide environmentally supportive, affordable, and reliable utility service to all customers and reinforce access to and use of broadband infrastructure as a vital public utility.

renew // philadelphians renew valuable resources to sustain a bright future.

open space // increase equitable access to our open space resources complete and connect watershed parks and trails in the city and the region, create improved access to our waterfronts, and expand access to neighborhood parks and recreation.

environmental resources // fulfill obligations to meet ambitious federal environmental standards improve air quality within the city and the region, improve water quality and management of our water and wetland resources, and increase tree coverage equitably across the city.

historic preservation // preserve and reuse historic resources support sensitive development that preserves and enhances our multi-faceted past and expand tourism programs to highlight Philadelphia’s cultural and historic heritage.

public realm // achieve excellence in the design and quality of the built environment improve the development scale of the city and elevate public demand for good urban design in the public realm.

design opportunity // three mile abandoned rail corridor VIA | philadelphia

research

synthesize

analyze

* The Philadelphia 2035 plan – it is our understanding that this plan provides the most comprehensive information on our client’s past history, current focus and future goals. 237

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design process// research

research // develop an understanding of client’s design opportunity.

case studies // in addition to a review of studio vi case studies (appendix I), a

further investigation of related designs were used to inform the goals and objectives for Via | philadelphia.

identify user research

central park // gain a better understanding of Frederick Law Olmsted’s approach to traffic circulation patterns for multiple users

neighborhood development // we looked at a place that works for having mixed income housing

studio VI site inventory // this study provided critical information about the site, leading to a thorough analysis.

city plans // several plans were studied to understand Philadelphia’s needs and desires for future development

philadelphia 2035 // provided us with a comprehensive view for our clients current needs

green 2015 // focused on environmental needs of the city by 2015

federal and state standards // related to urban development helped structure the goals and objectives.

philadelphia water department // provided information on water management for the city

environmental protection agency // provides national environmental regulatory standards

synthesize // after gaining an understanding of Philadelphia’s needs for future development, and researching ways Via | philadelphia could meet those needs, a synthesis of major ideas and ambitions were created.

neighborhood // propose new diverse housing // mixed income / mixed use

economic development // target industrial lands for continued development // focus on tourism & the arts

land management // protect sensitive land from over development // reduce vacancy

transportation // improve transportation & safety, convenience and efficiency // connect people to mass transit and provide convenience of travel with reduced travel time. // enhance economy by supporting regional rail // provide safe, convenient & efficient experience for appropriate modes of transportation

utilities // use new environmentally sound utilities for our site

open space // allow for more access for everyone to philadelphia parks // connect watershed parks and trails in the city and the region

environmental resources // improve air quality with in the city // improve and manage water quality // increase tree coverage over the city equally

historic preservation // preserve sensitive development of philadelphia’s multi - faceted past // tourism program of historic heritage 238

synthesize analyze

team iv // site analysis and concept master plan

goals and objectives

connection // create a safe and convenient alternative for connecting people to mass transit hubs, adjacent parks, and adjacent destinations.

// address the safety of our site by improving lighting, edge conditions, views in and out of the site // designate lanes for all modes of travel // create multi-use access points // provide navigation signage // include site amenities such as restrooms, recreation, // food and site furnishings // allow for 24 hour, 365 day access

identify user

research

synthesize

environmental utilities // use environmentally sound, utilities to improve air and water quality.

// improve air quality through the use of environmental utilities such as green roofs, trees, solar power, and wind turbines // improve water quality through the use of environmental utilities by green roofs, green walls, trees, rain gardens, and permeable materials

land management // historic preservation and neighborhood development.

Philadelphiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs

goal and objectives

historic preservation // support thoughtful historical development that preserves and enhances Philadelphiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s multi-faceted past

research

// preserve adjacent historic landmarks // enhance the industrial rail history of the site // repurpose building uses to meet the demands of the city

neighborhood development // propose new diverse, mixed use, mixed income housing.

connection

// institute market rate subsidized housing to reduce gentrification // incorporate diverse and mixed land uses for a viable economic development

environmental utilities

analyze

land management

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analysis // connection // destinations

M Phi us lad eu e m lph of ia Ar t

Fairmount Park

art museum

logan circle

broad street subway

septa bus

market east station

connection// destinations There are many notable destinations close to Via | philadelphia. along the Benjamin Franklin parkway adjacent to the site is the museum of art, Benjamin Franklin institute, Moore college of art and design, the Academy of Natural Sciences, and the ever popular City Hall. Other significant destinations that have the potential to attract people into the site are the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphian Convention Center, Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia Community College and the super fresh grocery store directly adjacent to Via| philadelphia. The importance of connecting certain destinations to our site will greatly influence the way that Via | philadelphia is programmed. buses // city buses make the most frequent stops of all modes of public transportation. The side walk and â&#x20AC;&#x153;curb appealâ&#x20AC;? should be addressed in accordance with the buses routes and stops adjacent to the site. parks // several parks could be connected through the Via| philadelphia project. Matthias Baldwin Park is directly adjacent to the subsurface section of the city branch on 18th Street. Fairmount Park, the largest open space in the city is adjacent to the northern end of the city branch and could be used as a connector for users of Via | philadelphia to Logan Circle and City Hall. subway // the broad street subway is the most coinvent form of public transportation in Philadelphia. The spring garden stop is the closest stop to Via| philadelphia, careful considerations of improvement should be given to this arterial subway hub such as material improvements to the subways interior. regional rail // the Market East Station is a destination for both locals and tourists connecting people in PA, NJ and DE. Market East is an underground world completely unique to the city; complete with shopping centers and food amenities.

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team iv // site analysis and concept master plan

analysis // connection // site amenities

Ph us ilad eu el m ph of ia Ar t

Fairmount Park

outdoor classroom

restrooms

active recreation

commercial / food

site furnishings

connection// site amenities amenity connector amenity hub

// the amenity connectors will guide patrons from hub to hub

// the amenity hubs present opportunities for programming in the open spaces

// site amenities opportunities the tunnel

active recreation site furnishings restrooms education signage commercial/ food

over structure

education active recreation wildlife habitat ecological preservation

vine street

restrooms commercial/ food active recreation education site furnishings

spring garden station

restrooms commercial/ food education

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analysis // connection // safety

rid

broad stre

Fairmount Park

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ue en av

fairm

ount

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spring ga

rden

vine street

pennsylvania pedestrian bridge

tunnel entrance

expressw

wall enclosure city branch over-structure

street view under the viaduct

connection// safety

create a safe and convenient alternative for connecting people to mass transit hubs, adjacent parks, and adjacent art institutions destinations.

bridge safety // unsafe bridge conditions // develop aesthetic alternatives to renovate the bridges into friendly passage ways and structurally sound.

edge safety // out of the site

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unsafe wall enclosures // enhance the safety of the area by removing tall brush and allowing views in and

team iv // site analysis and concept master plan

analysis // environmental utilities // water quality

rid

broad stre

Fairmount Park

Ph us ilad eu el m ph of ia Ar t

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fairm

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spring ga

rden

vine street

environmental utilities // water quality

Vacant land

expressw

+ 40

// green stormwater infrastructure to manage runoff at the source on public /private land and reduce demands on sewer infrastructure

water quality // solutions // philadelphia water department land-water infrastructure regulations meet ecological restoration goals by integrating environmental utilities with combined sewer outfalls into the economic, social and environment fabric of Philadelphia

greenroof // protect existing roofing, helps Minimize the impact of urban heat island effect by reducing the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s air conditioning requirements, in turn reducing the greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels for cooling

Callowhill Street & North 18th Street

North 8th Street & Green Street

filter and absorb rainwater which reduces stormwater runoff and provide habitat for urban wildlife

prevent runoff and pollution, replenish the groundwater supply

Darkest color is highest likelihood of water. This means greatest opportunity for use of environmental utilities as mitigation such as green roof, rain garden, green wall, and permeable materials.

Ridge Street & Hamilton Street

economic benefits //

environmental benefits //

environmental utilities will improve air quality, save energy, offset climate change, and restores degraded ecosystems

green wall // insulate the building against

permeable materials // manage stormwater,

682 North 10th Street

environmental utilities will introduce new jobs, which will reduce poverty by stabilizing and transforming neighborhoods

rain garden //

external sound, absorb rainwater which reduces stormwater runoff

Elevation

Vacant building

Broad Street & Spring Garden Street

social benefits //

environmental utilities will enrich recreation, enhance community quality of life, and advance a communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quality of life 243

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analysis // environmental utilities // air quality

rid

broad stre

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rden

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environmental utilities // air quality // pollutants are generated by industrial sources and human-made sources, including cars, trucks, buses, factories, refineries, power plants, building materials.

air qualities // solutions // clean air act and the EPA proposed national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants for fossil-fuel fired electric utility, industrial commercial- institutional, and small industrial-commercial-institutional steam generating machines. These rules lay out goals and directions to achieve desired reduction in emissions in philadelphia.

opportunities // these areas on our site represent the greatest opportunities for air quality remediation such as solar, tree cover and wind turbines solar // convert solar radiation into electricity to reduce emissions, save money, and help return energy back â&#x20AC;&#x153;to the grid

tree cover // produce oxygen, absorb heat (during evapotranspiration), absorb carbon dioxide, provide habitat for urban wildlife, increase property value, absorb rain water wind turbines // use small wind turbines for on-or off-grid purpose, where there is no electric grid, or where the grid is unstable by reducing emissions, saving money, and helping return energy back â&#x20AC;&#x153;to the gridâ&#x20AC;?

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Fairmount Park ge

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analysis // land use // land management

M Phi us lad eu e m lph of ia Ar t

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spring ga

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residential reuse opportunities // restore the victorian architecture of the authentic philadelphia rowhouse

expressw

industrial reuse opportunities // restore the industrial utilitarian style into an amenity and access into the site

industrial reuse opportunities // restore the industrial utilitarian style into apartments and access into the site

vernacular reuse opportunities // restore the industrial utilitarian style into convenience stores or artist studios

land management // vacant building

To support thoughtful historical development that preserves and enhances Philadelphiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s multi-faceted past and to propose new diverse, mixed use, mixed income housing. * Circles size is based on a 2000 ft radius equal to TOD standards for the 10 minute walking distance.

// vacant land Callowhill district vacant land opportunities // develop industrial vacant land with industrial, commercial, recreational or mix-used land uses Spring Garden district vacant land opportunities // develop vacant land with appropriate commercial, recreational and mix-use land uses Brewerytown district vacant land opportunities // develop vacant land with appropriate recreational, residential and mix-use land uses Fairmount district vacant land opportunities // develop vacant land with appropriate residential and mix-use land uses 245

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THE OPPORTUNITY A 3 MILE ABANDONED RAIL RIGHT OF WAY goals and objectives connection

• people to destinations

environmental utilities • air and water quality

land management

• historic preservation • neighborhood development • economic development

DIRECTION

JUST BECAUSE Via | philadelphia IS A LINEAR RIGHT OF WAY, IT DOES NOT MEAN: • • • •

it has a set direction it has a “start & finish” it has to be primarily a linear park it has to be a “park” at all

team iv // site analysis and concept master plan

FOUR ZONES secondary movement linearity & continuity primary movement unique & responsive

ZONE 1

ZONE 3

ZONE 2

ZONE 4

zone 1 at grade

primary movement

zone 2 the tunnel

• neighborhoods of brewery town & fairmount to fairmount park

secondary movement

• users of the site to zone 2 “the tunnel”

primary movement

• connect art museum movement through our site • reconnect with parallel current of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway

secondary movement

zone 3 the fly-over

primary movement

• connect Philadelphia to the natural urban environment

secondary movement

zone 4 the viaduct

• carry movement of zone 1 into zone 3

• continue user experience into zone 4

primary movement

• connect center city to new future development

secondary movement

• emphasize access to zone 3

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ZONE 1 // at grade zone 1-a girard av

30th stre

29th stre

enue

poplar stre

dri

lva

28th stre

rive

rd pla

po treet

lem

hill

parrish s

kelly dri

The linear greenway from Girard Avenue along Pennsylvania Avenue to the mouth of the CSX Rail tunnel provides a physical and ecological connection to the neighborhoods of Brewerytown and Fairmount. at grade // connection

Creates a safe and convenient alternative connection to adjacent destinations such as Fairmount Park and The New Museum through the implementation of multi-use, industrial bridges at 30th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, Brown Street and 26th Street, the existing Poplar Street Bridge and the linear greenway along the length of Pennsylvania Avenue.

at grade // environmental utilities

Improves water quality along adjacent residential communities, CSX Rail Line & Fairmount Park by using permeable materials, rain gardens and street trees to filter and absorb rainwater reducing stormwater runoff and providing habitat for wildlife.

at grade // land management

Increases property values, enriches recreation, enhances community quality of life, and advances Brewery Town and Fairmount quality of life by adding public green space.

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team iv // site analysis and concept master plan

zone 1-a // existing condition view from Girard Bridge looking south east at rail line right of way and Fairmount Park zone 1-a // proposed condition linear greenway from Girard Avenue to Pennsylvania avenue connecting over rail line to Fairmount Park

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ZONE 2 // the tunnel zone 2-a zone 2-b

aspen stre

lly

street

ive nn

n 25 th

pe sy ni

lva

fairmount avenue

a en

ive

n 22th s

treet

treet n 23 th s

n 24 th

street

ue spring gard

en street

ben

jam

in fr

ank

lin p

arkw

The tunnel will become an extension of the Philadelphia Art Museum and a pedestrian right of way. The tunnelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vertical space will be intersected in half by a bridge path carrying pedestrians above and providing for museum space below. The tunnel museum space is divided into three main spaces, the American art section, the museum commons area (including restaurants, shop, restrooms and an educational center), and the contemporary and Asian arts area. As a whole the space will become a major institutional feature for the surrounding community. the tunnel // connection

Creates a safe and convenient alternative connection to adjacent destinations such as Fairmount Park, Rodin Museum and Benjamin Franklin Parkway through the implementation of underground public right-of-way.

the tunnel // land management

Increases property values, enriches recreation, enhances community quality of life, and advances Brewerytown and Fairmount quality of life by adding public and private space.

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team iv // site analysis and concept master plan

zone 2-a // existing condition entrance to the tunnel at 27th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue looking towards the Philadelphia Art Museum zone 2-a // proposed condition entrance to art museum and public right of way

zone 2-b // existing condition inside inactive csx rail line tunnel looking up to Pennsylvania Avenue through vents in the road zone 2-b // proposed condition multi level art museum and public right-of-way

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ZONE 3 // fly over zone 3-a hamilton

street

zone 3-b zone 3-c

eet 15 th str

eet 16 th str

eet

vine stree

fan

lvd

ow in t

street

eet

17 th str

callowhill

18 th str

19 th stre

20 th stre

vin

t express

way

The fly over paths are contained by 15th and 20th Streets. The Granary Building serves as an anchor and threshold. Bicycle and pedestrian paths traverse five blocks while intertwining with each other at select locations. These paths are elevated to protect the ecosystem and maximize wildlife habitat. the fly over // connection

Provides pedestrians a safe and exciting new route to their destination. A high speed bike lane offers cyclist the opportunity to navigate through five blocks with minimal conflict between vehicles and pedestrians.

the fly over // environmental utilities

Improves water quality by collecting stormwater from impervious surfaces harvesting it in the created wetland. Its purpose is to filter and absorb rainwater which reduces stormwater runoff and provide habitat for urban wildlife.

the fly over // land management

Increases property values, enriches recreation, enhances community quality of life, and advances quality of life by adding public and private space.

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team iv // site analysis and concept master plan

zone 3-a // existing condition Rodin Museum entrance to the tunnel at the and police station parking lot looking south towards center city zone 3-a // proposed condition steps at the entrance of the tunnel adjacent to the Rodin Museum

zone 3-b // existing condition below grade parking area looking east towards Matthias Baldwin Park zone 3-b // proposed condition pedestrian and bicycle path suspended above created wetlands

zone 3-c // existing condition 15th street and the back of the inquirer building loading docks looking south towards city hall zone 3-c // proposed condition Inquirer Building facade improvements and new green streets 253

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ZONE 4 // the viaduct et 11 th str e

13 th str e

broad s

treet

12 th str e

zone 4-c

spring ga

rden stre

et ge

rid ue

en av

zone 4-a

noble stre

callowhill vine stree

street

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t express

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The Viaduct is a public park built on the historic Reading freight rail line elevated above the streets of Philadelphia. Redesigned and planted as an aerial greenway that crosses over vine street expressway it connects residents and visitors with center city. The newly proposed train stop at Fairmount Avenue and North 8th Street will bring people to the park via existing SEPTA rail line. the viaduct // connection

Creates a safe and convenient alternative connection to adjacent destinations.

the viaduct// environmental utilities

the viaduct // land management

Increases property values, enriches recreation, enhances community quality of life, and advances China Town quality of life by adding public green space.

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team iv // site analysis and concept master plan

zone 4-a // proposed condition entrance on noble street looking west towards Broad Street

zone 4-a // proposed condition // pedestrian walkway at Noble Street

zone 4-b // existing condition view from the viaduct by Vine Street expressway looking north the length of the Viaduct zone 4-b // proposed condition integrated bicycle path and zip line along the Viaduct

zone 4-c // existing condition view from the viaduct looking south east towards spring garden street zone 4-c // proposed condition // train station and restaurant at Fairmount Avenue 255

This site is

an opportunity for connection,

environmental utilities, land management and economic development; it is in Philadelphia, by way of Philadelphia,

Via | philadelphia.

design development // individual design sites the tunnel rodin triangle the cut broad street connection the viaduct

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the tunnel // sightline station diana fernandez

introduction Sightline is a new light rail station stop that uses the existing Reading Railroad infrastructure to make Philadelphia a more connected city. The proposed plan is a continuation of the Phiiadelphia 2035 Cultural Corridor Transit Line, which connects west Philadelphia, the museum district and the convention center to the center of the city. Sightline as a sculptural piece will also put into perspective “the constitution of the landscape

which is bound not only to the physicality of the earth but also to the physiology and psychology of the viewer, as well as the sensibility of the person framing it’s view”(Holt). Inspired by Nancy Holt’s “Sun Tunnels” and architect Santiago Calatrava the station will connect people to a larger understanding of how we view landscapes and how our landscapes become part of our buildings.

goals The goals for this site are based on the Philadelphia 2035 development plan. Sightline hopes to thrive // philadelphians thrive in the center of a competitive metropolitan region connect // philadelphians connect seamlessly to the region and the world renew // philadelphians renew valuable resources to sustain a bright future

objectives Create a transit node along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. // connect to the past infrastructure with a current conversation in the future of Philadelphia. // establish a catalyst for the future development of Philadelphia. // enhance the industrial rail history of the site // connect philadelphians and visitors to the cultural center of the city. // repurpose building uses to meet the demands of the city // address the safety of our site by improving lighting Philadelphia 2035 Proposed Transit Improvements Plan

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axonometric view of site

conceptual design Inspired by Nancy Holt’s “Sun Tunnels” and architect Santiago Calatrava the station will connect people to a larger understanding of how we view landscapes and how our landscapes become part of our buildings. It’s purpose is to connect to the center of the city through the existing infrastructure in place. A multi-layer

approach was utilized in the design phase which looked at the street level and underground interactions with people, infrastructure and the environment.

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Master Plan Sightline reestablishes a connection to the past use of the site as a mass transit corridor. It “explores new potentials for a productive future through a renewed relationship with the past” (“Gray Area: Provocations on the Future of Preservation”). The site also will serve as a

catalyst for future development of the city of Philadelphia and its place as a global city. The architecture of the station will add to the museum district’s art through its sculptural design.

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People The dappled light plaza provides residents and transit users with a sanctuary from the busy traffic along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Three rows of London Plane Trees create a dense buffer and canopy while the meadow plantings punctuate the space to provide human scale. The dense tree allee also balances the architecture of the station.

Catalyst The introduced light rail is a catalyst for the future development of the city. It begins to speak to Philadelphia’s growing future as a major global city. The lawn area and meadow work together to balance human and natural spaces in an urban environment. The meadow also creates a backdrop for the “Iroquois” sculpture and connects to the past history of Native American meadows created by the burning of forests for farmland.

Access The underground light rail station will be day-lighted by the station above and thus reduce energy consumption. The space underground will be activated with interactive touch screens showing train schedules, weather, and time. The station will conveniently bring people from center city and west Philadelphia into the heart of the Museum district.

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conclusion The architecture of the building inspired by Santiago Calatrava anchors the space as a significant landmark. The design of the building brings the landscape inside and creates a seamless indoor/outdoor connection. The building day-lights the station below which reduces energy consumption of the building and station.

My hope is to create a major landmark space that is designed to connect people to Philadelphia’s thriving future.

Sources and References: Williams, Alena J. . Nancy Holt Sightlines. Berkley: University of California press, 2011. Print. “Philadelphia 2035.” http://phila2035.org/. City of Philadelphia, 06 02 2011. Web. 29 Apr 2012 Calatrava, Santiago. “Path Terminal.” http://www.calatrava.com/. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Apr 2012. Gray Area: Provocations on the Future of Preservation. Philadelphia : Design Philly, 2011.

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the tunnel // day light Amy Syverson

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eastern state penitentiary fairmount ave.

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a // camera obscura x-ray plan

b // garden machine x-ray plan

On Pennsylvania Ave, one air vent to the tunnel below is converted to contain a lens surrounded by plantings. The tunnel interior can be viewed from above through this optical device.

Above ground, a converted median collects the utilities that the below ground garden needs. Rain water flows into the over structure garden in storms, then into the site through a series of pipes, cisterns and valves. Sunlight is collected through passive technology above ground and â&#x20AC;&#x153;movedâ&#x20AC;? to a diffuser below.

design development

design statement

unique conditions This section of the Via | Philadelphia corridor lies completely underground, in a tunnel originally constructed for steam engines to cross the city independent of above ground traffic. Bound by vaulted brick ceilings, earthen floors and time blackened limestone walls, the tunnel is both enclosed and exposed, not really inside or out. The behemoth relic is evidence of the industrial age that created it. There is wind, light, and moisture, and the effects of time are evident in the condition of the physical space. In this environment, the built and natural are juxtaposed. These mixing conditions make for an exhilarating space that is between two things. It is liminal and full of potential energy. Though intensely architectural, the space feels and functions like a landscape, it is a curious situation that encourages a conversation about the city’s infrastructures and the natural world. Anne Whiston Spirn wrote, “Nature in the city is far more than trees and gardens and weed in sidewalk cracks and vacant lots... The city is part of nature. Nature is a continuum, with wilderness at one pole and the city at the other.” The tunnel is an opportunity to explore this relationship.

section // the camera obscura

As any design intervention risks undermining conditions that have evolved over time for reasons that may be too numerous even to name, I aimed to create effective spaces with little physical intervention. My chief goal was to enhance and make visible the unique and compelling existing conditions in order to highlight relationships between natural phenomena and cultural creations that have historically existed within the tunnel. The spaces are meant to be experienced both as people pass quickly through, as piece of a larger linear sequence, and as places to linger in. These spaces should engage users in at least a moment of wondering, “how does that work?” The passive interventions utilized in these designs will provide light that reflects the outside world, without the aid of technologies that require electricity. The resulting design of the tunnel is safe, well lit, incorporates strategies for the best possible visibility and is energy efficient. The design of the tunnel creates linear connections, engages users in an experience of natural phenomena, and preserves the inherent existing interest of the site.

section // the garden machine

The camera obscura and the garden machine act to articulate the underground portion of the nearly three mile linear connection of Via | Philadelphia. Information on the connection to the park at large and to the adjacent streets and attractions can be found in the Big and Little master plan. Bike paths and pedestrian paths are incorporated into both spaces, yet separated from the potential passive use of the spaces as well.

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the garden machine

plan // garden machine

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fiber optic solar

rainwater distribution

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Sun is captured for the garden machine using a solar collector and fiber optic cables (the system shown is by Parans). As seen on the left, the light is diffused into the space through a completely passive chandelier. This system is independent of electricity.

Above ground, stormwater is collected and piped into the tunnel. This water is distributed by gravity into the underground garden beds by trench drains. The drain cover shown hints at what is happening beneath, it is from Iron Age.

Crataegus phaenopyrum Prunus pensylvanica Potentilla tridentata Cercis canadensis Callicarpa americana Aesculus parviflora Clethra alnifolia Franklinia alatamaha Pieris floribunda Viburnum acerifolium Calycanthus floridus

sun-gradient live plantings

* shade

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Oenothera fruticosa Rudbeckia fulgida Baptisia alba Amsonia tabernaemontana Castilleja coccinea Eryngium yuccifolium Oenothera perennis Liatris spicata Coreopsis lanceolata Rudbeckia hirta Pycnanthemum tenuifolium Callirhoe involucrata Andropogon virginicus Eragrostis pectinacea Sporobolus heterolepis Aquilegia canadensis Lobelia siphilitica Scutellaria ovata Tradescantia ohioensis Geranium maculatum Tiarella cordifolia Heuchera villosa Cimicifuga racemosa Podophyllum peltatum Phlox stolonifera Carex pensylvanica Carex plantaginea Adiantum pedatum Athyrium felix-femina Polystichum acrostichoides

sun-gradient seed mix

research station and garden dashboard

The life signs of this garden machine are logged and analyzed through automated monitoring equipment. A research station tracks vital stats like temperature and humidity, the amount of oxygen in the air, the presence of greenhouse gasses, the volume of stored rainwater available, and the respiration of the soil. When not visiting the garden, citizen scientists and researchers alike can view and analyze the data on the garden machine research app and website.

sun-gradient Once underground, the sunlight is diffused into the space, creating a gradient of the conditions in which plant life can thrive. Both the initial planting and the ongoing management of the garden machine are organized around this gradient of sunlight. Live plants will be located within the garden according to their light needs. The entire garden will be seeded with a mix of herbaceous plants. As plants germinate, grow, compete, colonize, dominate or drop out of the mix, observations about the conditions necessary for their survival and for ongoing succession can be continually tracked.

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the camera obscura Camera obscura technology has been in use since the 14th century. A camera obscura is, in the simplest form, a box with a hole in it that light can pass through. Light passing through the hole is “projected” on the inside of the box. The resulting image is upside down and backwards, but a true representation of the outside world.

a passive technology and natural phenomena

scale model // cardboard, paper, lenses

tunnel photo courtesy of: viaductgreene.org

Though it appears to share many similarities with recent developments in video and projection technologies, the camera obscura is completely passive, a physical manifestation of natural phenomena. In the case of the tunnel, it gathers light from the london plane trees lining Pennsylvania Avenue and from the facade of the Perelman Annex of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The image of the above ground world is projected onto the inside of the tunnel, upside down and backwards. Here, the tunnel is tiled with high-albedo pavers, which act as a screen for the projected image. In the center of this “screen” the image is crisp and bright, in perfect focus. At the edges and on the walls, the curvature of the lens causes the image to blur, resulting in an abstract affect of dappled light. The tops of benches, placed at the focal length, catch and highlight perfectly crisp images from the world above.

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above ground // lens garden

section // the camera obscura

At night, the electrical light of the city and vehicular traffic on Pennsylvania Avenue creates lively light in the camera obscura below. Supplemental electrical lighting within the tunnel is triggered in times of low light. This system is powered by photovoltaic cells that charge during the day. The lights shine

section // the garden machine

yellow in empty spaces and blue when an object comes into close proximity with the lights. This reactive lighting system allows visitors to see where there are other people at any point along the entire length of the tunnel, greatly enhancing visibility. 271

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tunnel // excavation Patrick Whealton

introduction In order to convert the tunnel beneath Pennsylvania Avenue into a piece of the VIA | philadelphia linear park system, issues of visibility and accessibility need to be addressed. As it exists today, the tunnel’s two entrances are 25 feet below street level, each with no direct pedestrian entrance. What’s more, the tunnel’s northern entrance is conspicuously hidden at the edge of a residential neighborhood while views to the southern entrance are partially obstructed by various buildings including the Rodin Museum.

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The context that surrounds the majority of the tunnel is highly compatible with the conversion of the tunnel into part of a linear park. The edge that borders the Art Museum, Eakins Oval, Kelly Drive, and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway could become an active pedestrian zone, drawing from the popularity of these prominent Philadelphia landmarks. This plan, entitled Excavation, envisions that edge as an opportunity to create a bold, distinctive gateway down into the tunnel, accessible to pedestrians and cyclists alike. Excavation will literally unearth a portion of Philadelphia’s railroad history, daylighting it for public use and enjoyment.

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goals and objectives Take advantage of the site’s strategic location along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Provide universal accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists from street level to tunnel entrance

-Create a gateway entrance into the space at the active corner of Pennsylvania Avenue, Kelly Drive, and Art Museum Drive

-Provide access into the tunnel beneath Pennsylvania Avenue

-Maintain clear sight lines into the space from street level

-Maximize horizontal space by using curved ramps that do not exceed 5%

-Dedicate ample space to planting to reinforce the space’s identity as a public park

-Supplement accessible ramps with multiple gathering spaces, seating areas, and planting zones

-Relocate the existing sculpture ‘Iroquois’ to a new position within the site to attract visitors

-Construct a LEED certified building for information and dining services as well as bicycle amenities

existing conditions The design site is bordered by Pennsylvania Avenue, Kelly Drive, Art Museum Drive, and Spring Garden Street. Aside from sidewalks around most of the perimeter, the site consists of mowed lawn with various trees, some of them in declining health. The land is currently owned and managed by the City of Philadelphia as a part of Fairmount Park.

This project assumes that the tunnel beneath Pennsylvania Avenue (with which it seeks to connect) is 25 feet below street level along the entire block. Sufficient survey information was not available.

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schematic design It was important to begin the schematic design phase by understanding what grading strategies were needed to excavate 25 feet into the ground while maintaining visibility and accessibility. Early conceptual visions utilized steps and a major linear ramp to accommodate the dramatic grade change.

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Recognizing that a curvilinear approach could soften the long, narrow parcel while accommodating the grade change more efficiently and gracefully, a meandering curve became the organizing framework for the site.

design development existing sculpture ‘Joan of Arc’

master plan The final master plan embraces the curvilinear form of the central path and repeats this pattern throughout other design elements including walls, stairs, plantings, and paving.

Perspective 1 (left page) shows the ramped pedestrian and bicycle path in the foreground coming to an intermediate terrace. A second ramp wraps around the proposed building before culminating in a flexible plaza space with direct entry into the tunnel.

top of ramp (5%)

Perspective 2 (next page) conveys the character of the path and seating area beneath a row of flowering trees along the intermediate terrace.

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1: Street Level Gateway (0’) 2: Pedestrian Path 3: 2-Way Bike Path 4: Intermediate Terrace (-15’) 5: Bike Hub / Dining / Green Roof 6: Tunnel Entry Plaza (-25’)

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proposed sculpture steps (18 , 6” riser) top of ramp (5%)

5 bottom of ramp (5%) relocated sculpture ‘Iroquois’

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perspective 2 intermediate terrace looking east 276

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conclusion For a site as complex in form as VIA | philadelphia to become a successful urban park, creative solutions are needed to resolve difficult design challenges. Bold

decisions that challenge common thought and practice will be the ones that ultimately contribute to a unique and unmistakable Philadelphia experience.

Sources and References: aerial imagery from Google Maps

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Rodin triangle // a cultural connection holly bonacum

introduction This design will foster communication, creativity, and choice for franklintown neighborhood and residents of philadlephia through the perfoming arts. Communication // If we seek to learn the languages of the arts then we can use them as tools to share ideas and emotioins in words, images, sounds and movements. Creativity // If we seek to acquire the ceativity and skills to create our personal voice through the arts, civilization

will improve. Choice // If we understand the role the arts play in philadelphiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history and her many cultures then we can understand our choice among the many products of the arts enabling us to think critically of what we read, hear and see.

// inspiration

rockefeller center skatng rink

rockefeller center dining plaza

wisconsin pier

swathmore college

// existing conditions // the site is 27 feet below the grade of the rodin museum and the street. // serves as overflow parking for the police station. // it is a gateway to the old reading rail line which is not in service. // it sits between hamilton street, north 22nd street, pennsylvania avenue, and north 21st street. // is primarly surrounded by residental and mixed used buildings.

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Rodin triangle // context

// goals and objectives connection // create a safe and convenient connection to adjacent parks, mass transit and cultural destinations // Provide safe multi-use access points // Allow for 24 hour, 365 day access // Connect with existing museums and theaters // Create gateways at significant opportunistic access points // Provide street level signage // Provide informal seating and dining areas // Connect people with cultural destinations // Create open green spaces for the public / private use land management // stimulate neighborhood development by providing new diverse, mixed use buildings responding to neighborhood needs // Provide spaces for passive and active use geared towars the performing arts // Create a gateway by building the welcome center at Hamilton street & north 21st street // Build and propose a new bus stop and shelter at Hamilton street & north 21st street // Incorporate diverse and mixed use land uses for viable neighborhood economic development interaction // Provide spaces for the community to engage in cultural connections // Promote tourism in Philadelphia though the performing arts // Provide rotating voice, dance, film, music and theater exhibits that engage community members // Educate community members on the importance of the performing arts // Repurpose the readding tunnel as a extension of the philadelphia museum of art

// master plan nts

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// enjoy the VIA I Philadelphia solar powered welcome center and bus stop with elevator at street level to rodin triangle park providing safe 24 hour, 365 day access looking from pennsylvania avenue and the police statioin towards the art museum tunnel, VIA I Philadelphia welcome center, ampitheater / fountain, grand lawn, woodland walk and grand steps

// park your car & use the VIA I Philadelphia bus and bus shelter at hamilton and north 22nd street to see the city

looking from hamilton street and the new bus shelter into the rodin triangle park viewing the new retail, ampitheater / fountain and Rodin museum

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// put on your gloves and ear muffs and head to the VIA I Philadelphia ice skating rink at the rodin triangle. open to the public november through april

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// use the bike path to safely traverse the city and meet friends at the rodin triangle fountain

// the fountain is a central gathering space to catch up, enjoy the views, relax or head to the grand water fall

// enjoy the sounds of cascading water when you meet friends at one of the 2 tiered water walls on the grand steps looking from the rodin museum at the grand steps with terraced lawn seating, traverteen steps water walls and enterance fountain

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looking from hamilton street and the new bus shelter into the rodin triangle park viewing the new retail, performing arts ampitheater / fountain and rodin museum

// view from the grand lawn into the newly propsed retail stores which would encourage and increase economic development in the park and surrounding neighborhood 282

// dine at one of the new award wininng second floor restaurants and enjoy the view of the performing arts stage. vip seating and dining during performance nights available. reservations recommended

// have a lemonade in the summer and a hot chocolate in the winter as you enjoy the wonderful retail shops and the cafe style seating adjacent to the grand lawn, amphitheater and ice skating rink

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// take your dog off the leash and enjoy the woodland walk and dining area on your way to the museum tunnel view into the woodland walk and dining area looking towards the museum tunnel this space provides a quite relaxing alternative off of the grand lawn to the museum tunnel

// find yourself a shady spot and have lunch in the woodland walk while enjoying views of the grand steps, water wall and activity such as frisbee on the grand lawn

conclusion In the decades to come, I envision the cultural connections provided at the rodin triangle becoming a key part of the urban fabric of franklintown and greater philadelphia. By Sources and References:

promoting and understanding the language of the performing arts creativity, community, and choice will be the instruments used in symphony in which many voices will be heard.

www.scottarboretum.org , http://blog.firstweber.com , www.rockefellercenter.com 283

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rodin triangle// rodin sculpture garden

Felicia DiPietro

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the space using geometric shapes within this very prominent triangle. Using the existing pathways of the Rodin Museum, and Grounds for Sculpture (located in Trenton New Jersey) gave me inspiration to bring art into an open space for the public to use, as well as provide other amenities//activities for users.

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The area adjacent to the Rodin Museum poses for a very interesting design challenge, as do many of the other spaces located along VIA|philadelphia. It was important in the design process to take into account the proximity of the museum and enhance its beauty by bringing it into the public realm. The concept for my design was to break up

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goals and objectives c o nne c t // attractions

- design connections to attractions - physical connections - marketing connections

c o nne c t // street

- stair access - universal access: ramps and elevators

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- use the Rodin Sculpture Garden as a chance to access the Rodin Museum directly

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e ng ag e // local creative economy - partnerships with users of space

e ng ag e // events and activities - event space - multi-functional

e ng ag e // green infrastructure - re-use of materials - recycling of stormwater

existing conditions The Rodin Triangle is currently used as a parking lot for the police station located across 21st Street and is currently owned by the Rodin Museum. The high, overpowering walls of the area are not in the best condition and various invasive vegetation is growing through the cracked pavement. Currently, there is a ramp on the east side of

Photo Credit: Leah Purdy (Student ASLA)

space that is not accessible and is currently off limits to the public and rusted iron fencing along the street surround the site. Even with all of its challenges, the Rodin Triangle is a prime spot with its adjacency to the Rodin Museum, proximity to the Art museum and Fairmount Park, as well as a captivating view of the city skyline.

Photo Credit: Leah Purdy (Student ASLA)

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View of the Rodin Sculpture Garden from Pennsylvania Avenue. Movable benches are provided within the space along a track system and are removable during winter months to provide for an outdoor ice rink. LED lights will be provided within the paving of the sculpture garden as well as the walls of the sculpture tunnel.

View of the Rodin Sculpture Garden featuring the ice rink within the paved circles. The Philadelphia skyline acts as a backdrop to the design with year round interest.

With the Rodin Sculpture Garden being a public amenity, it is important to provide a safe environment. By improving lighting and enforcing security measures, it will make the park an elegant and safe feature for the surrounding neighborhoods and visitors of VIA|philadelphia.

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master plan With the Rodin Museum directly adjacent, it was pertinent in the design to have the public interact freely amongst his Auguste Rodinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s art work. Sculptures will be displayed in the garden [keyed below] and the propsoed sculpture tunnel will directly connect people to and from the Rodin Museum with ease and bring his artwork into the space. Multiple areas are created for personal leisure, such as a bermed lawn, a covered patio that can be useful for local vendors or others, and bike lane that connects from one end of garden to the

art district bus stop

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opposite. The circular railroad tracks, reminiscent of the old Reading Railroad, are home to movable seating that can be maneuvered along the track system, making the space interactive. During the winter months, the benches will be removed in order to make way for the ice rink that will be placed within the circular tracks. Terraced gabion planters along the grand staircases are intriguing to the eye, are made of recycled bricks from the existing wall, and provide stormwater management practices.

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1. The Dancer 2. The Cathedral 3. The Sirens 4. The Three Spades 5. The Call of Arms 6. Eve 7. The Sinner 8. The Falling Man 9. Crouching Woman 10. The Hand of God

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sculptures (auguste rodin)

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conclusion The Rodin Sculpture Garden at North 21st Street and Pennsylvania Avenue is a space along VIA|philadelphia that allows the public to partake in the cultural and artful aspects of a hidden Philadelphia treasure, the Rodin

Museum itself. With the multi-functional aspects of the space, people will be able to engage with Rodinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s artwork within a safe and accessible environment.

Sources and References: All images produced by Felicia DiPietro in order of appearance: (1) Axonometric of spacial relationship. (2) Sculpture Tunnel and Garden from Pennsylvania Avenue. (3) Winter rendering; ice rink. (4) Perspective from North 21st Street with a complete overview of the design. (4) Master Plan. (5) View of sculpture garden from the VIA|philadelphia Tunnel.

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triangle// mastbaum plaza

introduction Welcome to Mastbaum Plaza. Aptly named after philanthropist Jules Mastbaum who, along with the Philadelphia Theater, is responsible for the construction of the Rodin Museum. Mastbaum wanted to honor Auguste Rodin while at the same time enriching the lives of his fellow Philadelphians. The Rodin Museum is located at the corner of N 22nd Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, about a five minute walk Southeast of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

N 22n d St

Aaron Karnas

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• engage the rodin museum • reflect historic past • create an iconic plaza

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triangle// mastbaum plaza

The Rodin Museum is a Beaux-Arts style building that was built in 1927 by local neoclassical architects Paul Cret and Jacques Greber. Mastbaum commissioned the building to house his collection of Augusta Rodinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work, the largest collection of the artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s works outside of Paris. Auguste Rodin is said to be one of the greatest sculptures that

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ever lived, with iconic pieces that are known world wide like, Eternal Springtime, The Gates of Hell and probably the most famous piece of sculpture ever, The Thinker . Currently the museum and the surrounding gardens are going through a rejuvenation process and will be reopened in early Spring 2012.

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Engaging the Rodin

was essential in my design. Along with the long powerful axis that runs Northeast from Benjamin Franklin Parkway I wanted to bring the symmetry from the Rodin in to Mastbaum Plaza. There is a monumental stair case that provides housing for sculptures from the Rodin. On one side there is an elevator that will provide access for the disabled and a safe-easy way to transport a bicycle to and from grade.

Elevator

Public restrooms mirror the elevator on the opposite side of the staircase. During construction, the existing black stone wall will be “opened” to welcome the new stairs and will close around them forming terraced garden with a native “urban wild” look. The terrace gardens along with potted evergreens located at the base of this iconic stair case will aid in absorbing some of the stair case mass, both the horizontally and vertically.

Service Road Public Restroom Sculpture

Evergreens

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triangle// mastbaum plaza

Historic Wall Iconic Water Feature

To reflect the historic past of the rail yard the large black stone walls will stay in place. The rails that once existed on the site will be resurrected to accommodate the one-of-a-kind rolling planters. These planter will be designed to resemble the millions of coal cars that have traveled these lines. A recirculating water feature will also be added, the heads of the fountain will be at grade and barely visible. The â&#x20AC;&#x153;City Line Fountainâ&#x20AC;? will run the heads in sequence to simulate a flumes of a slow powerful stem engine traveling the rails.

Train Rails

Railyard

â&#x20AC;˘ Historic Fence

Engage Rodin Museum

Railcar Planters

The creation of an iconic plaza will involve adding a large green wall on the north side of Mastbaum Plaza, a small patch of grass and several shade trees give relief from the summer temperatures by reducing the heat island effect. Several small store fronts will be added under the N 21st Street bridge on the East side of the plaza. The store fronts are to include a diner and coffee shop offering healthy alternatives and a bicycle rental shop. Stormwater will be maintained on site, while some will be treated and saved in cisterns for gray water toilets, sprinkler systems and the fountain. The rest will infiltrate and recharge the local water table.

Green Walls

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Shade Trees

Commerical

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Best Management Practice

conclusion Although Via | Philadelphia seems like a large undertaking for the City of Philadelphia, it can be put into perspective and more achievable if its done in small sections and engages some of the surrounding features like the Rodin Museum

with incentives to invest their money into the projects making Via Philadelphia a comfortable and relaxing place to visit.

Sources and References: http://www.rodinmuseum.org/

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the cut// the lunch room Cindy Culp

introduction The lunch room was envisioned as a lush, green oasis in the middle of the dense urban context. Via | Philadelphia’s cut section between 18th and 19th streets has several advantages. In addition to being centrally located within the city, it is surrounded by commercial, residential, recreational, and institutional uses. This ideal location provides an opportunity to create an activated, connected public space that will serve those that live and work in the

hustle and bustle of the city. Strategically proposed infill development is a critical component for the success of the Lunch Room. By maximizing the usability and appeal of an adjacent proposed plaza, the Lunch Room will gain visibility and access. As a vital link in Via | Philadelphia’s continuous circulation route across the city, the lunch room will also be a popular destination spot.

goals & objectives create a respite space within the urban context • provide food opportunities within Via | Philadelphia • provide outdoor dining • provide access at both 18th and 19th streets preserve circulation route • provide designated pedestrian and bicycle path • provide access for bicyclists propose mixed-use infill development • utilize adjacent vacant properties to activate the space • install green roofs on proposed structures

A view into the cut from 18th street. The Granary Building and Tivoli Condominiums can be seen in the distance.

concept The conceptual diagram below reflects the overall figureground layout of the proposed space. The curvilinear nature of the centrally located pedestrian and bicycle path creates a theme for the remaining dining/gathering spaces. The linear paving pattern provides a dynamic contrast. The path will have a rounded curb along both edges, except in the central part of the curve where flush pavement will allow safe and smooth access across the site.

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A view along 18th street looking toward the adjacent vacant lot. The tree canopy already existing within the cut can be seen on the right.

19th Street

18th Street

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Matthias Baldwin Park

Two-way pedestrian and bicycle path Street-level glass elevator

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Proposed Mixed-Use Structure with Green Roof Proposed Allée and Lawn Space Proposed Mixed-Use Structure with Green Roof and subgrade access to Lunch Room iconic sculpture Callowhill Street

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master plan The illustrative plan above reflects the significant additional green infrastructure the proposed infill development and Lunch Room will provide Philadelphia. The iconic sculpture located at the intersection of 18th and Callowhill streets will augment the visibility of the proposed plaza. Allées of trees draw visual attention to a glass elevator that will bring all users of all abilities to Via | Philadelphia.

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lunch room section The section at right shows one of several access points to Via | Philadelphia. The adjacent proposed mixed-use structure has food opportunities that connect directly to the Lunch Room. The adjoining dining patio is 5 feet above the grade level of the pedestrian-bicycle path. A corten steel retaining wall separates the spaces and accommodates the grade change.

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lunch room perspective key design elements • • • • • • • •

Stairs at 18th Street Glass elevator accessed through the proposed plaza Mixed-use infill at Via | Philadelphia level Tables, chairs, and umbrellas Corten steel retaining wall Dense tree canopy and plantings Benches Linear paving pattern

The above Lunch Room perspective illustrates the key design elements listed at left. This view faces 18th Street, the primary access point to the space. Stairs are also located at the 19th Street end of the Lunch Room. Both sets of stairs and the 18th street elevator maximize accessibility, while highest connectivity is achieved at the 18th and Callowhill Street plaza. The proposed mixed-use infill structure adjacent to the plaza will have its ground floor at Via | Philadelphia level, again providing the highest connectivity to the space. The second proposed infill structure will be grounded at street level.

Camber Bench by Forms + Surfaces

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Vista Chairs by Forms + Surfaces

Furniture for the site was selected entirely from collections by Forms + Surfaces in order to maintain continuity. Bright red umbrellas punctuate the space and provide a contrast to the green foliage provided by the dense tree canopy and ample plantings.

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19th Street

Matthias Baldwin Park

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Callowhi 18th Street 18th Street Community College of Philadelphia

axonometric context

green infrastructure trees

The above illustration highlights the proposed plaza’s connection to Via | Philadelphia as well as the proposed infill development’s connection to the greater context. For drivers traveling west on Callowhill Street or North on 18th Street, an iconic sculpture on the corner will provide ample visual attention to the site. A wide walking path is aligned with 18th Street providing an unobstructed view between both segments of the street. The proposed mixed-used structure fronting the plaza will house retail and food opportunities as well as second and third level residential units. Local residents, patrons, and students from the Community College of Philadelphia provide a potential abundance of users for the entire site. Additionally, the proposed mixed-use structure on 19th street has street level retail and food opportunities with second and third level residential units.

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society launched “Plant One Million”, a multi-state tree-planting campaign, in 2011. Meanwhile, Greenworks Philadelphia, introduced in 2010 by Mayor Michael Nutter, aspires to see 300,000 new trees planted by 2015 in order to reach their goal of increasing the city’s tree cover to 30% by 2025. The proposed street, plaza, and Lunch Room trees will contribute to these sustainability goals.

green roofs Expanding the number of green roofs throughout the city is also one of the targets identified within Greenworks Philadelphia. This is in accordance with their recommendation that, “the natural links between land and water be reconnected and that green infrastructure—trees, vegetation and soil—become the City’s preferred stormwater management system.” (Greenworks Philadelphia, 2010)

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plaza perspective The above plaza design replaces the vacant lot seen at left. Generous lawns and allĂŠes provide Philadelphians with green space as well as a possible venue space. The alignment of the storefronts draws visual attention from the intersection where multiple streets converge. Guests can enjoy outdoor dining at a safe distance from vehicular traffic.

The vacant lot on Callowhill Street with the tree canopy of The Cut in the background

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conclusion The Lunch Room and the accompanying proposed infill development is an exciting opportunity for Philadelphia to increase its circulation, recreation, green infrastructure,

housing, and economic vitality. An activated, public space such as this can be an asset to the city in its endeavor to make Philadelphia a better place to live.

Sources and References: Furnishing images from Forms + Surfaces. City of Philadelphia, Mayor Michael A. Nutter, “Greenworks Philadelphia” (May 2010) “Plant One Million” available at: http://pennsylvaniahorticulturalsociety.org/aboutus/22_plant_one_million.html. Accessed 29 April 2012

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The Cut // transition urban retreat Marquita Heard

introduction The cut is the sunken portion of the Reading line that occurs between Callowhill and Spring Garden, from 20th street to 16th. It is thirty to forty feet below street level and has huge stone walls. It is surrounde by community college and the parkway giving it the oppurtunity to be a large attraction or an easy greenway from one area to another. This area plays a large role in the transition from the tunnel(underground inclosed) to

the Viaduct (above ground open). It is a transitional space if you look at our concept for the whole viaduct, the cut takes you from dark enclosed manmade tunnel to more natural open vegatated viaduct area. I think this transition should be a retreat because while in the viaduct you lose all trace of the city. All you hear is birds chirping but the major problem is access.

The CUT

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Korea-Seoul-Cheonggyecheon-2008-01.jpg

Walk over. Promenade Plantee. Photo: amytoensing.

View of the cemetary in autumn, from near Harry Kalas’s grave (Vartan84, Aug 2011)

the banks of Lyon's Rhône River have served as a public park since 2007. Photos: Alex Davies

Inspiration

The images you see here helped develope forms or functions for the cut. Alot of them are views from above because that will be the first glimpse someone will get of the site. People need to be drawn in and these picturesbdo

just that. Although Im drawn to the naturalistic look of the cemetary the cut is a turning point where the built enviornment is being peeled away so sites like the lyons river bank was an excellent example as well.

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plan view

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Mathias Baldwin Park

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DEVELOPMENT Encourage appropriate land uses around the site that respond to community needs. • Promote new high-density, mixeduse development on vacant or underutilized properties. CONNECTIVITY Create a linear park that links districts, neighborhoods, and landmarks within Philadelphia’s urban fabric. SUSTAINABILITY • Integrate the park into Philadelphia’s network of mass-transit resources including bus, subway, and light rail. • Utilize a diverse palette of plants adaptable to the urban environment. • Emphasize economically feasible, environmentally-friendly methods of park maintenance.

IDENTITY Maintain a high level of visual continuity throughout the park consistent with the history and culture of Philadelphia. • Create areas that become landmarks throughout the site • Preserve the Victorian architectural style existing throughout the corridor. • Use local and vernacular materials. • Provide opportunities for permanent, temporary, and spontaneous means of artistic expression. INTERACTION Provide amenities that attract a diverse array of users. • Create opportunities for both active and passive recreation. • Provide spaces for the community to engage in educational workshops, classes, and shows.

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Perspectives// project title

• A stormwater pond collects runoff from adjacent streets and buildings to aid groundwater infiltration • Peeling back man made area to reveal shaded paths, a pond, and a lush canopy • Vegetated ground plane with year-round interest that provides habitat for wildlife

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â&#x20AC;˘ New residential uses that offer a basement connection into the site including cafes, educational work shops â&#x20AC;˘ Sunny plaza space for social gathering in close proximity to mathias baldwin park and the community college of philadelphia â&#x20AC;˘ Opportunities for active recreation including rock climbing, skating, and biking

conclusion The cut is an excellent opurtunity to become a great transitional space between the viaduct and the tunnel. We can bring alot to this neoghborhood and this unused space

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the cut // nature walk and research station Leah Purdy

introduction native ones. The creation of more accessible pathways will allow the linear park to continue through “the cut” and connect to the rest of Via | Philadelphia. My hope is that through this plan visitors to the park get to experience the a smaller version of some of the ecosystems that once made up the land that Philadelphia now occupies. Through the use of a research station placed within the site will aid in finding ways to maintain these micro-ecosystems at healthy levels in an urban environment.

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When viewed from street level, the section of Via | Philadelphia that we are calling “the cut” is a mess of mostly invasive plants and a place that most people would not want to traverse. But after going down and walking through this area it became my favorite part of the site. It was a much sunnier, wider, and more inviting space than I had previously imagined from a street level view. The space already contains the micro-ecosystems I am proposing in my plan. The plan involves the removal of invasive plants and the replacement of them with

wetland // vegetation short list Trees

Herbaceous

-Andropogon virginicus - Bushy Beardgrass -Asclepias incarnata - Swamp Milkweed -Carex stricta - Tussock Sedge -Chelone glabra - Turtlehead -Coreopsis rosea - Pink Coreopsis Shrubs -Equisetum fluviatile - Water Horsetail -Hemamelis vernalis - Vernal Witch-hazel -Liatris spicatta - Blazing Star -Illex glabra - ink berry -Lilium canadense - Canadian Lily -Rhododendron viscosum - Swamp Azalea -Lobelia cardinalis - Cardinal Flower -Panicum virgatum - switch grass -Typha spp. - Cattail

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-Acer rubrum - Red Maple -Betula negra - River Birch -Fraxinus pennsylvanica - Green Ash -Quarcus palustris - Pin Oak

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goals and objectives// connect and engage connect // from here to there glade // vegetation short list

Contains a mix of trees and shrubs from the woodland and wetland because this is a transitional area between the two. Herbaceous

engage // urban ecologies -woodland -glade -wetland

engage // science and ecological research

-research station -volunteer data and specimen collection activities Walking and biking paths create a connection for visitors throughout Via | Philadelphia. These paths are perfect for pedestrians comminuting across town or just looking to take a leisurely stroll. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The cutâ&#x20AC;? has been designed for those using the pedestrian path to have a chance to walk through a sunken naturalized area. This path directs visitors through a woodland, glade and a wetland. People engage with the plants and the micro-ecosystems through signage. Engagement with science and research occurs through the research station. The public can take classes or volunteer with the research station for further interact with the site.

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-Andropogon virginicus - Bushy Beardgrass -Chelone glabra - Turtlehead -Coreopsis rosea - Pink Coreopsis -Deschampsia cespitosa - Tufted Hair Grass -Helianthus giganteus - Swamp Sunflower -Hibiscus moscheutos - Rose Mallow -Liatris spicatta - Blazing Star -Lilium canadense - Canadian Lily -Maianthemum canadense - Canadian Mayflower -Podophyllum peltatum - Mayapple -Panicum virgatum - switch grass -Spartina pectinata - Prairie Cord-grass -Trollius laxus - Spreading Globeflower -Viola sorotia - Backyard Violet

-capture the opportunity for a linear park -walking -biking

woodland // vegetation short list Trees

Herbaceous

-Aconitum noveboracense - Northern Monkshood -Carex lupulina - Hop Sedge -Chelone glabra - Turtlehead -Dryopteris celsa - Log Fern -Dryopteris cristata - Crested wood Fern -Iris versicolor - Northern Blue Flag -Lilium canadense - Canadian Lily Shrubs -Matteuccia struthiopteris - Ostrich Fern -Vaccinium myrtilloides - Velvetleaf Blueberry -Osmunda regalis - Royal Fern -Rubus odoratus - Flowering Raspberry -Podophyllum peltatum - Mayapple -Clethra acuminatata - Cinnamon Clethra -Senecio aureus - Golden Ragwort -Veratrum viride - False Hellebore -Viola sororia - Backyard Violet -Cercis canadensis - Eastern Redbud -Cornus alternifolia - Alternate-leaf Dogwood -Liquidambar styraciflua - Sweet Gum -Magnolia virginiana - Sweetbay Magnolia - Platanus occidentalis - American Sycamore -Prunus serotina - Black Cherry

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The wetland portion of Via | Philadelphia is the wettest part of the site in regards to existing conditions. This plan involves slight regrading to bring stormwater flow from the other areas of “the cut” down into the wetland where it will be remediated through vegetation and infiltrated back into the soil and ground water system. Soil removed to lower the wetland and create the pond systems will be used to raise the mounds in the woodland walkthrough.

research station // brief Situated in old passenger train cars, to hark back to the sites history as an industrial and passenger rail way, the laboratories inside the cars are used to test sample taken from around the site and around Philadelphia. The data collected from these samples helps the researchers better understand the ways ecosystems such as these can function inside a largely urban surrounding landscape. The research station partners with local universities, schools, and the Academy of Natural Science to further its understanding of Philadelphia’s ecologies. College credits can be earned by students doing sample collection and testing on the site. The research station also uses volunteers for seed collection and propagation to maintain the native plant species within Via | Philadelphia. Education programs for younger children are held by the research station to teach the importance of healthy ecological systems, even if they are small ones.

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the wetland // plan

elevated boardwalk //

raised 3’ off the ground to avoid flooding of the pedestrian path

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bike path // separated out to allow fast flow of bike traffic with out the interference of pedestrian traffic

elevated bar grate boardwalk // raised 3â&#x20AC;&#x2122; off the ground to

pavilion // providing shelter from sun

avoid flooding of the pedestrian path the bar grating allows for researchers and visitors to observe the natural workings right below their feet

and inclement weather and a space for outside educational sessions

research station

pond bridge //

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just above water level for easy access to the water for sample collection

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the woodland // woodland structure

Researchers take notes on observations made along the woodland walk.

1. canopy layer is made up of the tallest tree species in a woodland. The leaves block most of the sunlight from filtering down onto the woodland floor.

2. understory trees and shrubs layer is made up of small trees and shrubs that do well in indirect sunlight and low light conditions. Understory growth often has a characteristic form of sprawling sideways growth which enables the plant to have a larger surface area with which to catch the small amount of sunlight that makes it through the canopy layer.

3. field layer is made up of mostly herbaceous plants and forms most densely in the pockets of light that make it past the canopy and understory layers. Without light pockets these plants are sparsely spread out along the woodland floor. 4. ground layer is made up of mosses and leaf litter. As the leaf litter decomposes it adds nutrients to the soil to be used by the plants that make up the other layers of the woodland.

Sources â&#x20AC;&#x153;Plant Layers in a Woodland.â&#x20AC;? Offwell Woodland & Wildlife Trust, British Wildlife & Countryside.Environmental Education. Web. 29 Apr. 2012. <http://www.countrysideinfo. co.uk/woodland_manage/struct.htm>.

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the wetland // photosim

An informal discussion about urban ecosystems being held under the wetland pavilion outside of the research laboratory. Researchers use both the elevated path and venture out into the garden to take notes and gather samples of the plants, soil, and water.

conclusion By maintaining continuous pedestrian and bicycle paths through “the cut” Via | Philadelphia is able to create a linear park 3 miles long in all. Its community and academic programs build relationships between people and the micro-ecosystems that are created in region of the park. And through the data collection, research, and proper maintenance of “the cut’s” woodland, wetland, and glade a space is created that humans, plants, and animals can thrive within.

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Broad street and Noble street // Gateway Nickia Dixon

introduction Presently the Broad Street, Noble Street entry to the Viaduct is a scary site. Walking down Noble street, it is really dark and it feels abandoned. The street and the sidewalks all blend in with each other. This area need the most attention. Noble Street need to feel inviting, and it need a purpose. Although the

main purpose of Noble street is to serve as a gateway to the raised portion of the Viaduct, it will also serve as the tourist attraction. Broad Street, Noble Street will be the IT STOP!

Broad Street Gateway City and 9th Branch

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Existing Conditions// Noble Street looking towards 13th Street

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Illustrative Plan// Broad Street Gateway

Broad Stre et

New Proposed Building Retail/Tourist Facility and Residential space

Razor Data Center

Wrought Iron Sculpture

Cafe Lift

Iyengar Yoga In the Loft

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13th Street

Philadelphia Inquirer

401 North Broad Street XO Communications New Proposed Building Parking Garage

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Goals and Objectives Overall Goal To create an entry walk that has a purpose, feels good, and complements Philadelphia’s city style. - Make Noble Street welcoming and safe -Widen pavements -Reduce the width of Noble Street -use of small and large trees - use of pedestrian friendly materials for Noble street, the green plaza, and surrounding sidewalks.

-Create an attraction off of Broad Street into Noble street. -Large wrought iron sculpture through out the site. -Propose a new large building on Broad Street for tourist facility. -Reserve Philly’s Express Steak and Bagel Train - repaint -add in outdoor tables and chairs to complement Philly’s Express Steak and Bagel Train -Develope a retaining wall and a stylish gate to reserve 401 North Broad Street’s personal space along Noble Street.

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Inspiration// Chestnut Park by John Collins

Sources and References: LandscapeOnline.com. LandscapeOnline.com. 29,April,2012. http://www.landscapeonline.com/research/article/16206 Johnson, Kate and Moody,Ryan. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sprout dc. Sproutdc.com. 2007. 4, August,2008. http://sproutdc.com/2008/08/?y%/castanea-dentata/

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Axon//Broad Street looking down Noble Street

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Perspective//Broad Street looking towards Noble Street

Perspective//Noble Street looking towards 13th street

conclusion Noble Street may be an eerie site right now, but it can become a place of excitement for Via Philadelphia. Although there is not much space on the site, there are a number of vacant/ parking lots that could be taken advantage of and turned into tourist attractions. With a large, modern, over

head sculpture that will for certain turn heads and capture ones attention, the Broad Street Gateway will become an entry walk that will invite not just the city of Philadelphia, but the world.

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broad street connnection// inquire : concept cogwheel peter marotta

introduction When first engaging this site, the initial design reaction is to propose a grand gateway on Noble Street to encourage pedestrian activity on Broad Street to migrate towards the viaduct. As this is a worthy task, a closer look at this site reveals a multi-directional design challenge that requires an understanding of the many processes interplaying at the site. Creative inquisition is also required to design a space that relates to these different

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processes . Thus, conceptualizing the space as a cogwheel, working together with other cogwheels becomes critical to achieve a design that ultimately functions within an existing system to move Philadelphia in a positive direction.

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concept inquire // concept : cogwheel a design that fits into an existing system, working with other processes to propel the machine in a posative direction the system // philadelphia the machine // citizens and tourists of philadelphia processes // six different processes are recogized and should be addressed in unique ways

via|philadelphia economy

environment history inquire broad street subway

six procceses environment water quality design a vegetated stormwater infiltration system air quality increase quantity of street trees broad street urban infill propose mixed use development in surrounding parking lots curb edge proposed street and sidewalk improvements via|philadelphia 15th street create transition zone between â&#x20AC;&#x153;the cutâ&#x20AC;? and the inquirer building inquirer building propose ground level commercial thru-way noble street gateway design multi-purpose open space gateway for viaduct

economy commercial use propose economically viable development in surrounding parking lots, along with commercial use infill in inquirer building repurposed parking propose craft bazaar in existing parking lot adjacent to terminal commerce building history subway mezzanine use underground space for time accurate locamotive instillation from PA train museum existing reading train car refurbish food venue with outdoor seating reinvent 1200 block design a mixed use space celebrating the industrial history of the place as a coal yard subway broad street subway line create subway entrances at inquirer building with additional septa ticket booth

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From left to right, starting at 15th Street: 15th street Between via|Philadelphia west and Callowhill Street, a great opportunity presented itself to encourage users of via|Philadelphia to engage new street level activity. Streetscape improvements such as tree planting, sidewalk remediation along adjacent parking garage, and a plant nursery as part of a new rear facade to the Inquirer Building are proposed. Inquirer Building From 15th Street, pedestrians could choose to walk through the plant nursery and enter the Inquirer Building by way of a new ground level shopping corridor. This proposal to go directly through the Inquirer Building as opposed to underneath or around it could provide for a unique user experience. Commercial use for the space could be Whole Foods Market, a bike retail and repair shop, a bookstore, and a septa ticket booth. 322

Broad Street Improvements here include two subway entrances to the Broad Street Subway as part of a proposed new subway stop with underground mezzanine level. The mezzanine could function as a passive use train museum with time accurate locomotives on display. Further improvements would be urban infill at both Noble Street and Callowhill Street, as well as safer cross walks designated with cobblestone paving. Noble Street By narrowing this one-way street, vehicular access can be maintained while bolstering the pedestrian friendly atmosphere when approaching Via|Philadelphia East. A storm water catchment system “rails to rills”, along with a proposed mixed use development “the coal factory” help to make Noble Street a multi-faceted experience.

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In this illustration, a basic understanding of the subsurface condition of Broad Street can be understood. By connecting to the subway beneath, this space gains the opportunity to engage a spacious mezzanine level underneath Broad Street, as well as bring a vibrant public transit commuter experience to the design proposal.

The linearity of Noble Street presents a great opportunity to create a rill water feature. Parallel rills mimic the appearance of the train rails that used to occupy this space while also serving as a stormwater management feature. Water from the site could enter the rills and then infiltrate the planted area between the rills. A rill, similar to railroad rails are a landscape feature that cause curiosity and demand attention.

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the coal factory

The 1200 block between Noble Street and Callowhill Street hold a historical significance in terms of rail, industry, and commerce. A site that at one point was an active coal yard has the potential to be reinvented into a mixed use development themed with reproduction coal stacks, creating a sense of destination.

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The current use of this block is a parking lot. This functionality can remain by building the mixed use development up to the level of the viaduct and maintaining the space at ground level for parking.

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a genuine perspective During the past four years, I’ve come to know Philadelphia as a city of hard working people who take great pride in who they are. The city has a great vision for the future and has the leadership in place to reach their aspirations. As a project such as the design of this abandoned rail right of way comes to fruition, it is vitally important that the city remains true to itself. Philadelphia doesn’t always have the best weather, it’s not always the prettiest place, or for that matter the richest either. But Philadelphia certainly

has character, and the not-so-perfect quality of the build environment adds to its lure, charm, and integrity. To create a sketch from a blank piece of paper and a pencil, requires vision, patience, skill, and the acceptance of eraser marks. In the same light, the eventual design of Via|Philadelphia will require creative foresight and a genuine embrace of Philadelphia’s culture.

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Spring Garden North David Bilinski

Introduction The stretch of the Reading Viaduct from Spring Garden Street to Fairmount Avenue is perhaps the most magical of the three mile corridor. The space is defined by panoramic views of the city and the gritty

remnants of the elevated rail line it once was. In order to capture and maintain this magic minimal intervention is needed. The space should resemble the landscape that has natural colonized the abandonded rail line.

Existing Conditions

view looking south from fairmount avenue

view looking north from green street

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Goals + Objectives + Create a Passive Linear Park

- Implement a path wide enough for both pedestrians and bicyclists - Use the space as an entry and an exit - Provide seating along the path system

+ Maintain Industrial Quality of the Site

- Keep existing catenaries and track dividers

- Keep existing existing railroad tracks - Install a landscape that is similar to the existing landscape

+ Provide Access at Spring Garden and Fairmount

- Create an accessible entrance for bikes and pedestrians at Fairmount Ave. - Renovate the existing train station at Spring Garden for street level access

Inspiration

Landschaftspark, Germany

The Highline, NYC

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Key Elements 1. Spring Garden Viewing Terrace 2. Renovated Train Stop 3. Stormwater Trench

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4. Track Dividers 5. Catenaries 6. Green Roof

7. Fairmount Avenue Entrance

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Spring Garden North

Perspective from Green Street

Existing Condition + Maintained View to Center City + Stormwater Trench + Meadow Planting + Tracks and Catenaries Kept

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+ Fully Accesible from Street Level + Seating Terrace + Cafe in Train Station + Iconic Sculpture

Existing Condition

Perspective at Train Station

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VIA | duct // john keiser

John Keiser

introduction VIA | philadelphia provides many opportunities to make Philadelphia a better place. However, with these opportunities come many challenges, specifically the viaduct north area, or the section of the Reading Railroad from Spring Garden Street to Fairmount Avenue. This is a particular under traveled area in general. It is my task to make this small under-utilized region of Philadelphia prosperous once again. Before any designing takes place however, we must recognize the values that need to be included in designing. Once we have recognized these values, an assessment of

the design needs to occur before the master planning stage. This design addresses the vacancy of the northern section of the viaduct by proposing a new regional rail stop for VIA | philadelphia park, but perhaps even more important is the connection between the larger east Fairmount neighborhood and the regional rail system. This design aims to also preserve, connect and enhance the region with goals and objectives specific to this site. Let us first exam the core values that need to be addressed in this design.

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VIA | duct // project vision

ecology environmental values

ecological approach

natural aesthetics

trivalent design

community

functionalism

social values

delight aesthetic values

Ian Thomson’s book Ecology, Community, Delight: Sources of Value in Landscape Architecture, highlights this three ring diagram as a guiding principle for design. When all three of the values are implemented equally into a design it is than said to be “trivalent.” Trivalent design is the pinnacle of any design project, thus making this model a logical project vision. Landscape architects will sometimes struggle to combine all aspects of reality into designs. According to Dr. Thomson these realities can be boiled down into three distinct values. Environmental, social and aesthetic spects should not be overlooked in any design. The integrity of the viaduct relies on the combination of these values equally.

VIA | duct // goals and objectives

CONNECT

regionally //create new regional SEPTA rail stop locally // enhance adjacent SEPTA connections to VIA | philadelphia // provide safer bike lanes on 10th Street

PRESERVE

historic relics // selected catenaries, track dividers diverse housing // mixed age, income, race

ENHANCE

the arts // temporary art exhibits green infrastructure // green roofs, rain gardens, solar energy tourism // parking, advertising

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VIA | duct // dissection

ecology features // rythmic bosque plantings island planter planted sculpture beds screen planting on building green roofs

community features // large pathways combined bicycle lane trainstop entry plaza cafe

delight features // train station cafe complementary sculpture mural on spring garden underpass elevator on fairmount ave preserved track dividers

VIA | duct // master plan

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This master plan highlights the integration of bicycle paths and pedestrian paths in a main arterial pathway network with a procession of open spaces. The network of three spaces along the pathway are influenced by Arnaldo Pomodoroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sculptures in Copenhagen Denmark.

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VIA | duct // renderings rendering // train stop terraced planting elevator two sculptures grand stair case

rendering // cafe main plaza area iconic sculpture on axis large planting beds architectural fountain

rendering // mural enhances Spring Garden St encourages Mural Arts program promotes art channels creativity ques park interaction

design development

VIA | duct // conclusion

conclusion With a project as significant and as merited as VIA | philadelphia, the development of this abandoned rail corridor should represent the core values that Dr. Ian Thomson has illustrated. VIA | Philadelphia should

represent ecology, community and delight. People, plants and art are essential to any landscape architectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s design, and will specifically make VIA | philadelphia a special place if these values are used equally.

Sources and References: Thompson, Ian H.. Ecology, community, and delight: sources of values in landscape architecture. London: E & FN Spon, 2000. . http://www.cigarinspector.com/news-of-the-week/outdoor-smoke-event-in-paley-park-ny http://marion-travel-pictures.blogspot.com/2011/10/arnaldo-pomodoro-sculptures-in.html 2

VIA

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vine street “y” // goldtex plaza Dennis Murphy

introduction The area of Via | Philadelphia known as the Vine Street “Y” is located just north of Vine Street between 11th and 12th Streets. The site extends north to Callowhill Street where it then branches off in one of two directions: either north towards Spring Garden Street on what is known as the 9th Street Branch, or west towards Broad Street and points westward on what is known as the City Branch. The Vine Street “Y” was the meeting point of these two branches before the rail line crossed over Vine Street and entered the Reading Terminal. When the Philadelphia commuter tunnel was built in the 1980s, this

street

goals & objectives

broad

gateway

// Draw people in from the surrounding area,

particularly Center City and the Pennsylvania Convention Center

Via | Ph il

adelphia

market

old line became obsolete. The bridge over Vine Street was demolished, and in the early 1990s the Reading Terminal became the Pennsylvania Convention Center. With the completion of the latest addition to the Convention Center a few years ago, there is a reason for connection between the two locations once again. Currently, those people who visit the Convention Center are in need of green space and other active and passive open space. The Vine Street “Y” and the vacant area around it offer an ideal opportunity to fulfill this need.

- Build a bridge from the Viaduct to 12th street to make access easier - Create a welcoming space for people by using vegetation and curvilinear forms to create spaces - Increase safety by incorporating lighting

the “y” street

context

anchor

// Create an anchor point for the rest of Via | Philadelphia

- Propose residential and commercial use in the currently vacant Goldtex Building - Propose a restaurant on the block north of the Goldtex Building with indoor and outdoor seating - Incorporate entertainment venue space at the location of the abandoned Callowhill substation

sustainability

// Design in conjunction with

Philadelphia’s efforts to become the greenest city in the country

- Incorporate a stormwater management system - Use native plants appropriate to site conditions - Reuse and repurpose industrial relics on site as long as it is safe and / or feasible to do so proposed vine street bridge looking towards center city 326

design development

callowhil

aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

l street

elevator

venue stage

carlton stre

notch 8 restaura nt

vegetable gardens

wood str

pearl str

eet

ll green wa

12th stre

goldtex b uil mezzanin ding with e level a ccess

11th stre

eet

proposed parking garage vine stree

vine stre

et expres

sway (I-6

76)

bridge over vine street with seating

access to bridge vine stree

N 40ft.

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stormwater management // infiltration basin The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) is in the process of changing their billing method over to parcel based system. This will mean that properties with a higher ratio of impervious surfaces will be charged more. However, tax credits will be given for those properties with green infrastructure. This large swing between penalty and reward is an excellent way to force people to act. One of the issues concerning Via | Philadelphia is soil remediation. Large amounts of pollutants have built up in the soil due to the site’s many years of

rails set flush with paving, held in place by poured concrete

brick placed between rails

serving as an industrial corridor. Bringing in large amounts of replacement fill is expensive. Installing stormwater infiltration basins when the contaminated fill is removed will reduce the amount of fill required and also address the issue of stormwater infiltration. These infiltration basins consist of large perforated pipes fed from the surrounding buildings via pipes. After storm events, the pipes gradually release the excess stormwater into the ground, allowing it to infiltrate naturally.

rails placed on ground surface

corten edging

vine street expressway

plant palettes

stamped concrete (4”) poured over gravel base (4”)

remediated soil

meadow / woodland plant mix

paving & vegetation interface This diagram shows how the different elements of the ground plane (paving, vegetation, soil, & rails) interface with each other. The paving surface consists of stamped concrete, providing a refined look while saving expense.

aerial view looking southwest 328

There are two major plant palettes: meadow and woodland. The goal of the planting design is to evoke the sense of a successional landscape. An area of woodland just south of the Goldtex Building acts as a gateway, screens the view to the south, and buffers the noise coming from I-676. It also reduces the feeling of exposure. Meadow plantings elsewhere allow for unobstructed views from the site.

proposed restaurant - “Notch 8”

design development

a’

wood street

N 0

infiltration basins

40ft.

section a-a’

shrubs

trees Acer rubrum ‘ Autumn Flame’ Carpinus caroliniana Juniperus virginiana Rhus typhina1

Red Maple ‘ Autumn Flame’ American Hornbeam Eastern Red Cedar Staghorn Sumac

meadow herbaceous Asclepias tuberosa Echinacea purpurea Panicum virgatum3 Ratibida columnifera Ratibida pinnata Schizachyrium scoparium Sorghastrum nutans

Butterfly Weed Purple Coneflower Switchgrass Prarie Coneflower Gray-headed Coneflower Little Bluestem Indiangrass

Aesculus parviflora2 Hamamelis virginiana Ilex glabra Myrica pensylvanica Rhus aromatica

Bottlebrush Buckeye Common Witchhazel Inkberry Holly Bayberry Fragrant Sumac

woodland herbaceous Asarum canadense Chasmanthium latifolium4 Eurybia divaricatus Polystichum arostichoides Sedum glaucophyllum Sedum ternatum Solidago caesia

patio with moveable seating at “Notch 8”

Wild Ginger Northern Sea Oats White Wood Aster Christmas Fern Cliff Stonecrop Wild Stonecrop Blue-stemmed Goldenrod

woodland “gateway” with proposed green wall visible in background 329

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site furnishings

design

The furnishings chosen for the site are by Forms + Surfaces. Their sleek appearance along with high durability allows them to fit perfectly with the design and function of the space. By using a single family of furnishings, the site gains a feeling of continuity. Pedestrian Light Columns are placed throughout the entire site to provide adequate lighting, encouraging a safe environment.

The proposed design makes extensive use of curvilinear shapes. The curves not only speak to the shape of Via | Philadelphia itself, but also to the idea of creating an organic, naturalistic space.

plaza space; looking towards goldtex building

One of the most visible parts of the design is the bridge across Vine Street. This sweeping bridge gives people easy access to the site from the Convention Center and Center City. It also features seating walls and provides fantastic views of the skyline. The connection across Vine Street is important not only for the “Y”, but also for the rest of Via| Philadelphia, as the “Y” serves as the primary connection to center city for the entire corridor. A dining opportunity also serves as a major draw to the space. Located immediately adjacent to Goldex Plaza, and accessible via a staircase or elevator, “Notch 8” is a dining establishment which serves the people on Via | Philadelphia, residents of the Goldtex building and the surrounding neighborhood, as well as passersby. The building is a combination of glass and corten facing, giving the structure a sturdy yet airy feeling. The name “Notch 8” refers to a railroading term which references the 8 speeds on all locomotives. The top setting is known as notch 8. The design of the building and the surrounding area is more formal, while still retaining curvilinear elements so that it may speak to both the “Y”, as well as the street and the Goldtex Building. On the side of the “Y” opposite of the restaurant are two small vegetable gardens, which would provide locally grown food for the restaurant. At the northern end of Goldtex Plaza, the abandoned Callowhill substation has been replaced with a stage. The unstable condition of the substation warranted its removal; however, the steelwork associated with it has been repurposed to serve as the structure upon which lights and other elements can be placed during concerts, theatre performances, and other events. When not in use, the structure still acts as an sculptural element. A major influence on the inclusion of venue space is the number of nearby concert venues. By including one at Goldtex Plaza, it provides an opportunity for a music festival centered in the neighborhood of Callowhill. A music festival would be a tremendous economic opportunity for the area.

looking south from the beginning of the 9th street branch

330

Unlike the substation, all of the catenaries on site are preserved. They, along with the rails, are necessary to the overall character of the site. However, it should be noted that as the rails have been removed as of April 2012, the rails that appear in the design are not original to the site.

design development

stage featuring reused steelwork allows the space to be used as an outdoor concert venue

conclusion Other elements of the design include sloped lawn areas for passive recreation and a green wall across from the Goldtex Building. A parking garage has been added at the corner of 11th and Vine street to provide parking for Goldtex building residents and visitors to the site. This site is currently the location of a parking lot. The proposed building would not block any major views, and its facade would be covered by a Ned Kahn art installation called Technorama Facade; a grid of freely rotating reflective metal squares activated by wind.

The developed design of Goldtex Plaza is multi-faceted. It has many elements and many functions. But this is important, as it serves as the keystone for the rest of Via | Philadelphia. It not only connects the two halves together, but also has the potential to connect those two halves directly to the city. The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yâ&#x20AC;? has tremendous development potential, and whatever form the design takes, it must be able to address all of the problems associated with the site to allow this site and Via | Philadelphia to become successful.

Sources and References: 1 (Rhus typhina) - http://www.treeplantflowerid.com/Rhus-typhina.php 2 (Aesculus parviflora) - http://www.summerhillnursery.com/plants/PlantInfo.php?PID=41 3 (Panicum virgatum) - http://www.westseedfarm.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=54 4 (Chasmanthium latifolium) - http://www.wilsonnurseries.com/Grasses/Chasmanthium.html 331

VIA

philadelphia

the spur // at vine street matthew nelson

introduction

context // philadelphia

The Spur at Vine Street offers a unique opportunity to simultaneously serve as a gateway entrance, exit, and destination. With its proximity to Center City, this location of Via Philadelphtfhia provides a clear connection to the city, South of the Vine Street Expressway. The Spur must serve the needs of the neighborhood in which it

resides, the Loft District; an up-and-coming neighborhood with a lot of young residents, trendy restaurants, and art. With its proximity to the Pennsylvania Convention Center, there is tremendous opportunity to capitalize on its 15 million annual visitors. And of course, we must connect and engage Philadelphia as a whole and the surrounding region.

objective // connect and engage

objective // connect and engage events and activities recreation space site history

tre

center city loft district adjacent buildings

Fair m

oun

VIA

Phil

t Av

enu

adelp

hia

Sprin

g Ga

rden

Stree

context Vine

332

Stre

Located within the Loft District neighborhood, the Spur at Vine Street is the widest, most expansive space along the entire 3 mile corridor.

design development

loft district

center city

vine street divide The Spur is situated such that it offers the best opportunity to bridge over the Vine Street Expressway and provide a connection to Center City

walkability broad st.

te b

girard ave.

5 y.

10 15

lkil

I-676 vine

st. expy.

CHINATOWN

MUSEUM DISTRICT

RITTENHOUSE SQUARE

F D

5 10

spring garden st.

I-9

ela

CALLOWHILL

exp

SPRING GARDEN

NORTHERN LIBERTIES

20 th st.

10 th st.

m inu

FAIRMOUNT

25 th st.

ike

rid

5 10 15

OLD CITY

SOCIETY HILL

m inu

te b

ike

rid

WASHINGTON SQUARE

10 15

15 minutes benjamin franklin pkwy. independence mall northern liberties phila. community college fairmount avenue

BREWERY TOWN

I-7

10 minutes reading terminal market city hall franklin square love park market street

TEMPLE UNIVERSITY

rid

5 minutes pa convention center phila. inquirer building chinatown broad street spring garden street

A pa convention center B inquirer building C reading terminal martket D city hall E franklin square F love park G independence mall H comm. college

333

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the spur // masterplan

Callowhill

Street

f d

Carlton S

treet

Wood Str ee

11th Stree

12th Stree

W. Vine S tre

Vine Stre

et Expre

ssway

E. Vine S

treet

a // vine street bridge b // goldtex plaza c // the great lawn d // bike rental hub e // cafe f // park history

334

design development

a // vine street bridge

view of bridge looking west on vine street

the spur // design elements

a // vine street bridge The new Vine Street Bridge is a 12 foot wide, pedestrian only bridge that curves from 12th street up to Via Philadelphia level, 20 feet above street level. It provides a visual connection for passerbys and motorists as they pass beneath the bridge. The bridge is a symbolic gesture, and a way to get people to visit the Spur portion of Via Philadelphia.

b // goldtex plaza With the redevelopment of the Goldtex Building as apartments, my design incorporates a mezzanine level that connects directly to Via Philadelphia and provides a restaurant bar at that level with outdoor seating. This brings a commercial presence to the site, and an opportunity for a use of the park at night.

c // the great lawn Once visitors enter the space, they are struck by the openness of the Great Lawn. Programmed to be flexible open recreation space, it can be used to lie in the sun, throw a frisbee, or even as an event space for music festivals and vendors. Lined by trees, there is ample shaded space while also providing space to get some sun.

335

VIA

philadelphia

the spur // axonometric

d e f

a // vine street bridge b // goldtex plaza c // the great lawn d // bike rental hub e // cafe f // park history

336

design development

c & d // the great lawn and bike rental hub

view of the great lawn looking south toward vine street

the spur // design elements

d // bike rental hub The bike rental hub is a place where visitors can pick up or drop off Via Philadelphia bikes or store their own for the day while exploring the park. The bike racks are protected by overstructure with photovoltaics that will be used to power the lighting on-site.

e // cafe The spur is an important node along the entire three mile corridor and thus, must provide basic amenities to visitors. The cafe is open during the day and will provide a resting point for park visitors with indoor and outdoor seating. Backed by the railroad track planting, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a safe a comfortable space to relax and watch everyone passing by.

f // park history The park history building will serve multiple functions. Replacing the old sub-station building, the park history building will be a railroad museum while also providing amenities such as restrooms, park information, and park maps.

conclusion After research and design development, The Spur at Vine Street is best served to be flexible open space for people to use it as they feel fit. By providing amenities like bike

rental, restrooms, park history, and dining, this space best fits within the context of the three mile corridor and serves as a destination for park goers.

337

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vine street “y” // sky rail park Kelsey Stanton

introduction

lva

nia

broad

street

Bounded by Vine Street to the south and no more than a ten-minute walk north from the Pennsylvania Convention Center, this large spur of the Reading Viaduct’s 9th Street Branch is well-connected to Philadelphia and its landmarks. It is also rich with railroad history, having once connected to the iconic Reading Terminal before demolition of the Vine Street bridge towards the end of the 20th century. Many of the original railroad facilities, such as a 1931 electric substation and the architecturally-striking catenary support structures, still remain and are softened by a successional landscape. As a result this unique landscape is popular with

vine street

fairm

ount

urban explorers and young people. This site has excellent potential to be transformed into a dynamic landmark for the city, one that celebrates both the Reading railroad that built it and the gritty, post-industrial landscape that makes it so unique today. Its position adjacent to the upcoming Goldtex Building lofts suggests the need for passive and active recreational spaces to accommodate all ages and abilities. A major constraint is low to moderate levels of soil contamination left from the railroad, which presents an opportunity for a creative design solution.

avenu

expressway

bird’s-eye Via | Philadelphia context

existing conditions

goals & objectives sustainability // • • • •

Design in accordance with Philadelphia’s sustainability goals to provide a space with a light environmental footprint.

Utilize drought-resistant and low-maintenance plantings with an emphasis on native species Explore cost-effective, environmentally-sensitive ways of cleaning the site of industrial pollutants Build with recycled materials Encourage bicycle access to and on the site

identity // Celebrate the site’s former railroad use and current, unique character as a hotspot for urban exploration. • • •

Use local materials to express site history Provide an iconic artistic structure to highlight the space Honor the site’s unique successional nature by providing spaces for exploration and adventure

interaction // Attract a wide variety of users with amenities for every age and ability. • • • 338

Design a space for passive and multi-age active recreation within reach of several Philadelphia landmarks Incorporate a multi-use trail system for both pedestrians and bicyclists Include access to the park by way of a mezzanine level in the new Goldtex Lofts building, equipped with appropriate facilities

design development

a ge rid nu

ve e

callowhil

l street

bicycle la

playground & vine pergola

goldtex loft building mezzanine access

th street

passive recreational lawn

phytoremediation education planting “sky rail” industrial sculpture

vine street gateway building

vine str

eet exp

north 11

north 12

th street

ropes challenge course

vine stre

resswa

180 feet

illustrative master plan The design is a celebration of nature’s post-industrial succession of Via | Philadelphia and the opportunities for exploration and adventure, that it presents. Visitors to Sky Rail Park may access the site in three different ways: • the main gateway at Vine Street, through a transparent glass and steel building which houses a combined elevator and staircase; • through a mezzanine level on the third floor of the new, mixed-use Goldtex Loft Building, which also will provide park visitors with restroom and dining facilities; • or from the Noble Street or Spring Garden Street gateways along the Via | Philadelphia trail. The park takes its name from a large overhead sculpture made of recycled railroad tracks that soars 30 feet over a

large central lawn. Inspired by the similarities between the meandering rails of a train yard and the undulations found in several natural systems, the “sky rail” sculpture will also symbolically rejoin the former 9th Street Branch with the Reading Terminal train shed. Capturing the site’s spirit of exploration and replacing the unstable substation building, the park will provide active recreation opportunities in the form of a unique ropes challenge course for adolescents and older visitors, while an industrial-inspired playground will provide children with access to creative play opportunities. Materials such as concrete, sand, corten steel, and steel grate can be procured locally and evoke the former rail corridor’s gritty urban character.

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vine street “y” // sky rail park Overhead: “sky rail” sculpture

Playground with pergola, catenary supports, ropes course structures, & site furniture

Sky Rail Park’s art and recreational structures are inspired by the history of the Vine Street “Y” and seek to remind visitors of that history. Artwork such as Roxy Paine’s Maelstrom, which creates fluid natural shapes out of industrial materials, inspired in part the design of the Sky Rail sculpture. The diagram to the right vertically explodes the components of the park’s design to show how they interface with each other: the simple geometric planting beds provide a foil to the intricate swoops of the sculpture above, which aligns with the ropes course structures to the north. The section perspective below illustrates steel girder structures inspired by those of the railroad substation, which both support shady vines over the playground and trail and support elements of the ropes course.

Ground plane: planting, paving, trees, & Vine Street entrance building

Section facing south from playground to challenge ropes course 340

35 feet

design development

phytoremediation As an abandoned industrial site, the design of the Via | Philadelphia must address special concerns. One such concern is soil contamination by lead and arsenic as indicated in both 2004 and 2011 soil samples taken from the site. Phytoremediation - using plants to clean polluted soils and groundwater - decreases environmental cleanup costs, adheres to Philadelphia’s green aspirations, and provides a unique environmental education opportunity.

The slow chemical absorption rates of plants means that it could take several years before the soil is sufficiently cleaned. This presents a phasing

opportunity to increase public interest in the Via | Philadelphia linear park: during phase one, ribbons of plants selected for their metal absorption abilities will be planted throughout the site and harvested regularly to remove pollutants. A raised boardwalk will permit public access to the site, and signage will educate visitors about the phytoremediation process. Once the soil has been cleaned, Sky Rail Park will be built as phase two. The small planting beds in the park’s southern end will contain the same plant species used in phase one and will feature educational signage to increase public knowledge of phytoremediation.

phase i - phytoremediation planting plan and boardwalk

phytoremediation //

Ancient Greek ‘phyto’, ‘plant’ + Latin ‘remedium’, ‘restore balance’

plants absorb, degrade, or stabilize pollutants

Phytoremediation is the use of plants to stabilize or remove contaminants from polluted environments. Plant species are chosen for their ability to degrade, stabilize, or absorb contaminants in soil, sediments, groundwater and/or surface water.

clean soil polluted soil

plant roots take in water and pollution from the ground

Why use phytoremediation? Pollution by toxic chemicals is a global and dangerous legacy facing land and water on or near former industrial sites. Removing the contaminated soil from these “brownfields” is expensive, whereas phytoremediation is often a cost-effective and efficient alternative. (photo credit: Petr Vilgus)

Phytoremediation on VIA | philadelphia As a former railroad corridor, Via | Philadelphia was contaminated with lead, arsenic, PCBs, and petroleum compounds. Plants such as sunflower (Helianthus annuus), leadwort (Amorpha fruticosa), and Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) were planted here to clean the soil, and were afterwards harvested and disposed of.

phase ii planting plan

detail of phytoremediation educational beds

You can see demonstration plantings of the species used to clean up Via | Philadelphia as indicated on the colored areas on the map below.

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

Leadwort (Amorpha fruticosa)

Field Mustard (Brassica rapa)

White clover (Trifolium repens)

phase ii educational signage

Sources and References: Roxy Paine’s Maelstrom (Jason Edward Kaufman © 2010) “Reading Viaduct”. Center City District, Urban Engineers, & Bryan Hanes Studio. 22 Jan. 2012. page 8. Powerpoint presentation. 341

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vine street “y” // sky rail park planting schedule Sky Rail Park is designed to evoke the successional landscape currently found on the Reading Viaduct. Therefore, plants were chosen for their ability to thrive under difficult growing conditions and for their relatively wild appearance. Species that hail from meadows and old fields, such as sumac (Rhus spp.), Eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana), and grasses such as little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) are particularly well-suited for this type of landscape. In addition to fulfilling the design’s wild aesthetic, these plants also require little water, soil nutrients, or maintenance to thrive, which reduces the cost of park upkeep significantly. While an emphasis is placed

on native plant species, some non-native species were also chosen due to their current existence on the Reading Viaduct. The planting design of the park creates a feeling of transition from civilization into a wilder landscape. The phytoremediation planting beds near the Vine Street will keep a more manicured appearance, while the beds at the park’s boundaries will gradually transition from a fairly structured, flower-based design to looser and wilder plant arrangements where native cool- and warm-season grasses will gradually become more dominant.

Phytoremediation Species List

Phytoremediation landscape with boardwalk

Zone

Botanical Name

Common Name

Helianthus annuus

Annual Sunflower

Lupinus albus Agrostis castellana

White Lupine Highland Bent

Brassica rapa Spartina pectinata

Field Mustard Prairie Cordgrass

Festuca arundinacea Tall Fescue Trifolium repens White Clover Agrostis castellana Highland Bent

Amorpha fruticosa Brassica rapa

False Indigo Field Mustard

Ornamental Park Species List Botanical Name

Common Name

TREES Juniperus virginiana ‘Taylor’

‘Taylor’ Columnar Juniper

Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Rotundiloba’

American Sweetgum

Rhus glabra ‘Laciniata’

Cutleaf Smooth Sumac

SHRUBS Amorpha canescens

Leadplant

Rhus copallina var. latifolia ‘Morton’

Prairie FlameTM Shining Sumac

VINE Parthenocissus quinquefolia ‘Engelmannii’

Virginia Creeper

Rhus glabra ‘Laciniata’

HERBACEOUS

342

Artemisia ‘Huntington’

Hybrid Wormwood

Cerastium tomentosum

Snow-in-summer

Deschampsia flexuosa

Wavy Hairgrass

Echinacea angustifolia

Prairie Coneflower

Oenothera fruticosa

Narrowleaf Evening Primrose

Panicum virgatum ‘Rostrahlbusch’

Panic Grass

Schizachyrium scoparium ‘The Blues’

Little Bluestem

Sporobolus heterolepis

Prairie Dropseed

Symphotrichum lanceolatum

White Panicle Aster

Symphotrichum lanceolatum

design development

Perspective of ropes course

Inspiration: Amsterdam playground

urban adventuring Today the Reading Viaduct is frequented by visitors who are attracted to the element of adventure and the total removal from the street that one can find there. Sky Rail Park seeks to preserve the sense of adventure by offering patrons an opportunity to participate in a challenge ropes course for a set fee, which is designed to replicate the appearance of the railroad catenary support structures that are still in place today. Elements of the ropes course will include a zip line, climbing nets, rope bridges and “vine” swings, among other elements of varying height and difficulty. In order to protect visitors, the course will be overseen by trained staff members, and will be closed after dusk. Access points to the course will be removable (climbing net or ropes) or retractable (ladders) to prevent unauthorized access after

hours. The multi-use Via | Philadelphia trail will pass under and past the course at strategic points to avoid potential collisions with ropes course participants. For younger park visitors, Sky Rail Park will also provide a multi-age playground designed with industrial materials and forms. Inspired by the creative structures found in playgrounds in Amsterdam, children will be able to explore miniature concrete tunnels, swing through small ropes courses supported by steel I-beams, and scramble over and down a large tunnel slide accessed by a series of climbing nets and platforms. Parents can watch over their children from the seating walls of nearby shaded planting beds under the vine pergola.

conclusion Inspired by the half-wild environment already found on the Reading Viaduct, Sky Rail Park will offer visitors the same air of mystery and urban exploration that makes the abandoned rail corridor so unique. A model of sustainability, the park will present environmental educational opportunities at the same time that it celebrates the site’s industrial history

through art and materials. Visitors of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds will be able to use the park for active recreation, enjoying the city skyline views, and connecting to various other parts of the city through the rest of the Via | Philadelphia linear park system. Sky Rail Park combines art, nature, and action for an iconic and unique landmark.

Sources and References: Amsterdam playground: photo credit Dr. Lolly Tai, FASLA Rhus glabra ‘Laciniata’: photo credit Mark McLeod, www.flickr.com Symphotrichum lanceolatum: Arthur Chapman, www.flickr.com 343

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the viaduct // vine street gateway John Tallon

introduction Via philadelphia is a wonderful opportunity to be able to connect various parts of the city together by the way of a safe pedestrian greenway. You also gain the opportunity to create new mixed-use, residential, and commercial space is the vacant land and buildings adjacent to Via philadelphia.

The “Y” portion of the viaduct has the ability to be a great space. In addition there is also a new parking garage, mixeduse building just adjacent to the “Y’. These different aspects of the space are what will help to make it a successful space and a successful destination point in Philadelphia.

goals // objectives Reconnect the community to the viaduct and rail lines // Create gateways at significant opportunistic access points

Fairmount Avenue

// Provide informal seating and dining areas

// Provide open green space

Pe n

23rd Str

Foster economic development

eet

// Provide street level signage

ylv

Av e

22nd Str

// Provide space for retail opportunities on the viaduct

Spring Garde

n Street

// Provide space for food opportunities on the viaduct

// Recommend dense residential and mixed use development on the vacant properties in the Callowhill neighborhood

Bring open green space to the city

// Create open green space for the public

Celebrate Philadelphia’s industrial history

// Preserve/reuse majority of on-site relics

// Select materials/design features that evoke industrial history

Celebrate the character of Philadelphia

// Include art

case study // restaurant The architecture of the Art Nouvea Winter Garden would be a great case study to base off of for the new proposed Dining Via-vine Restaurant. The Victorian style architecture complements the current site and the style in which it was built. These beautiful glass

arch windows will really help to attract people’s attention into the site. Dining Via-vine will have the opportunity to become a very strong destination point no only for visitors of the area but also for local residents and businesses as well.

Background basemap is from group master plan design. 344

Photo was taken inside the Art Nouvea Winter Garden Restaurant, focusing on the beautiful stained dome glass.

design development

existing conditions // opportunities Currently here at the “Y” shaped portion of the viaduct the conditions are quite poor. Many plants with no real value or purpose have take root in the viaduct and now sprouting all over. The buildings adjacent to the site have been abounded which presents us with another opportunity. These vacant buildings can be restored into mixed land use buildings

and provide not only homes but new commercial space as well. Also we are able to reuse many of the old relics from the former train line so as to celebrate the site’s history. This portion of the Via philadelphia creates so many different types of opportunities

Photos were taken by: David Bilinski This is the existing view if you were to take the right side of the viaduct and continue toward Fairmount Avenue.

This photo shows you what the current view towards Vine Street looks like.

site furnishings Spring Garde

n Street

Knight Bench

bike garden bike rack

universal receptacle

Rid

Vine Street

11th Str eet

12th Str

eet

Broad S treert

t 15 Stree

17th Str

eet

e Av

Vine Street Expressway

citrus table & bantam chairs

pedestrian light column

These site furnishings were chosen during the group analysis and master plan design phases. They were chosen because of their sleek appearance, high functionality, and their durability. These furnishings will need to be

able to withstand high volumes of people using them as well as be able to withstand the change in the weather conditions. However, these furnishings need to continue to look good even with their constant use. 345

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illustrative master plan // vine street gateway Where the viaduct ends at Vine Street there is a great opportunity to create a strong gateway for Via philadelphia. At this location a bridge will span over Vine Street and Vine Street Expressway with large Via philadelphia signs on each side. This grand gesture will help to intrigue peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interests

and make them want to come into the park. The restaurant Dining Via-vine will be the strongest and most dynamic component of the space. It will provide food for patrons but will also act as a type of landmark to allow people to know that there is an entrance into Via philadelphia.

Rid e Av

Noble Stre

Street

11th Street

12th Street

Callowhill

The perspective on the top-right shows what the outdoor dining area, in the front of the restaurant could look like. Replacing certain portions of the wall with glass allows the people sitting there to enjoy the view into center city However, the metal wall directly across the establishment helps to block the unpleasant view of the back of the Convention Center.

Wood Stre e

Vine Stree

t Expressw

The Axon on the bottom right shows the proposed space for the Y portion of the viaduct. Located at the end of the viaduct, Dining Via-vine sits like a capstone just above Vine Street.

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perspective view // outdoor dining

axonometric view // entire site

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perspective view // facing proposed restaurant About the perspective: This photo-simulation gives the viewer a understanding of what the large space behind the restaurant will look and feel like. The view of this perspective, is from the northern portion of this space, at the fork, looking south toward the back of the proposed restaurant.

The space’s function: This space will serve many different functions depending on the user’s needs. Some people will be able to use this as a space strictly for getting from one place to another. However, I have design this space with the intent of trying to keep people within the space. That is why there are benches and bike racks located to the sides of the walkways.

perspective view // outback of proposed restaurant

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About the perspective: This photo-simulation is a view of what you could be able to enjoys behind the proposed restaurant’s herb and spice garden. The view in this perspective is looking to the north away from Dining Viavine into the heart of this green space.

The space’s function: During the months of nice weather the restaurant will be able to grow and provide it’s patrons with fresh, clean, and chemical free herbs and spice. Patrons will not only be getting a higher quality of food it will be cheaper food too. In addition to feeding restaurant patrons this lovely garden will provide addition green space for viewers. Also since it is a herb and spice garden passersby will also be able to enjoy the pleasant aroma being given off. 348

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plant list

Muhly grass

Little bluestem

Butterfly weed

Eastern red cedar

These are just a few of the many different types of plants that would be planted in the viaduct portion of our site. These are plants that do well in the city’s rough conditions.

art // wind-powered sculpture

Goldenrod

This particular sculpture overlooks the town of Burnley in Lancashire, England. It is one of four sculptures created as part as part of the Panopticons arts and registration project. I chose to include this particular piece of art for many reason. I liked that it is wind-powered because it helps people think about stainability in a easy, pleasant

way. I proposed placing it on the landing of my proposed ramp, above Vine Street. Here in the city where the large buildings help to form strong wind tunnels this piece of art should have no problem playing its music Besides being powered by the wind this sculpture unites two very different things. It unites the industrial with the world of art.

The Singing Steel Tree was designed by the architect group Tonkin Liu.

conclusion Creating key spaces like the Dining Via-vine will drive economic development in the area. The neighborhoods will be nice to live and work in the new green public space that

has been added. This project should be the first of many steps in the direction of making Philadelphia a greener, more sustainable and more friendly place to live.

Sources and References: “Bantam Chair | Tables & Chairs | Forms+Surfaces.” Forms+Surfaces | Architectural Surfaces, Architectural Glass, Elevator Interiors, Wall Systems, Architectural Doors, Door Pulls, Information Displays, Site Furniture. Forms+Surfaces, n.d. Web. 15 Mar. 2012. <http://www.forms-surfaces.com/bantam-chair>. “Bike Garden Bike Rack | Bike Racks | Forms+Surfaces.” Forms+Surfaces | Architectural Surfaces, Architectural Glass, Elevator Interiors, Wall Systems, Architectural Doors, Door Pulls, Information Displays, Site Furniture. Forms+Surfaces, n.d. Web. 15 Mar. 2012. <http://www.forms-surfaces.com/bike-garden-bike-rack>. “Citrus Table | Tables & Chairs | Forms+Surfaces.” Forms+Surfaces | Architectural Surfaces, Architectural Glass, Elevator Interiors, Wall Systems, Architectural Doors, Door Pulls, Information Displays, Site Furniture. Forms+Surfaces, n.d. Web. 15 Mar. 2012. <http://www.forms-surfaces.com/citrus-table>. Hosmer, Katie. “Singing Steel Tree Sculpture - My Modern Metropolis.” My Modern Metropolis. My MOdern Met, 19 Feb. 2012. Web. 26 Mar. 2012. <http://www.mymodernmet. com/profiles/blogs/tonkin-liu-singing-ringing-tree>. “Light Column Pedestrian | Exterior Lighting | Forms+Surfaces.” Forms+Surfaces | Architectural Surfaces, Architectural Glass, Elevator Interiors, Wall Systems, Architectural Doors, Door Pulls, Information Displays, Site Furniture. Forms+Surfaces, n.d. Web. 15 Mar. 2012. <http://www.forms-surfaces.com/light-column-pedestrian>. Sint-Katelijne-Waver. “wintertuin avondkant overzicht | Flickr - Photo Sharing!.” Welcome to Flickr - Photo Sharing. N.p., 3 Feb. 2005. Web. 26 Mar. 2012. <http://www.flickr. com/photos/sint-katelijne-waver/4199287/>. “Universal Litter & Recycling Receptacle | Litter & Recycling Receptacles | Forms+Surfaces.” Forms+Surfaces | Architectural Surfaces, Architectural Glass, Elevator Interiors, Wall Systems, Architectural Doors, Door Pulls, Information Displays, Site Furniture. Forms+Surfaces, n.d. Web. 15 Mar. 2012. <http://www.forms-surfaces.com/universal-litterrecycling-receptacle>. MLA formatting by BibMe.org.

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case studies // compilation of relevant designs atlanta beltline city deck concrete plant park el parc del camí comtal the high line la promenade plantée landschaftspark duisburg nord sante fe railyard the steelyard südgelände nature park

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case study // atlanta beltline kelsey stanton & nickia dixon

// transit-oriented, infill development // utilizes abandoned railroad beltline // community input critical to success

bird’s-eye rendering of the 22 mile-long BeltLine corridor encircling Atlanta’s core as an “Emerald Necklace” of parks, trails, and development infill source: Atlanta BeltLine, Inc.

summary The city of Atlanta began as a railroad terminal, and rail commerce drove its prosperity for over a century. In 1898, in response to increased freight demands, the Atlanta Belt Line Railroad was built to circumvent city traffic. However, the 1950s saw a rise in highways which eclipsed the need for rail, resulting in abandonment of the majority of the Belt Line. Highways also facilitated “white flight” from the city center, leading to widespread neighborhood blight, and led to deteriorating air quality and everlengthening commute times. In 1999, graduate architecture student Ryan Gravel envisioned the abandoned beltline as a “Belt Line” of new, transitoriented development centered around the corridor. He promoted the idea to the City and its residents, who quickly adopted the project. Architecture firm Perkins + Will was chosen in 2009 to lead a team of 64 design, construction, and consulting firms, including James Corner Field Operations, as a result of an initial request-for-proposal submitted by the City of Atlanta.

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Now in the middle of implementation, the Atlanta BeltLine is a 22-mile-long greenway in which the abandoned corridor acts as a light rail transit “development core” with over 400 acres of new parks and 6,500 acres of new or renovated infill development. It will encircle the City and connect to it via a 33-milelong network of multi-use trails. To date, ten percent each of the total trail mileage and park acreage has been developed as part of Phase I of the BeltLine implementation.

transit-oriented development and park urban infill The end result of the BeltLine is an urban infill project that will shift Atlantans’ commute dependence from cars to rail. New train stations will serve as a focal point of pedestrian-friendly development. Underutilized properties and buildings will be converted to mixed-use. New parks will increase City greenspace by forty percent, designed to guidelines specified by the Sustainable Sites InitiativeTM. Phase I is trail construction, which is currently underway to keep up public interest and support.

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utilizes abandoned railroad beltline

community input critical to success

In its current state, the abandoned rail corridor provides opportunities for convenient transit connections to city landmarks, from universities and hospitals to museums to Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthplace. State and federal transit grants will fund updates to existing rail infrastructure for new transit uses, and will build new stations at every mile to half-mile of rail. The goal is to provide trail connections to and from the street at every street intersection. With an average distance of 25 feet above or below the street, this will be accomplished via alternating stairways and ADA-compliant ramps.

The support of Atlanta’s residents has been critical to the project’s longevity. An enthusiastic Art on the Atlanta BeltLine movement in early design phases roused public interest by creating art installations by local artists throughout the BeltLine corridor. During the planning process, the BeltLine corridor was divided into ten master planning Subareas; neighborhood constituents within each Subarea attended meetings to share their needs and design program input. In 2005 they supported creation of a 6500acre Tax Allocation District (TAD), which froze the corridor’s property tax rate to fund development over 35 years. When the TAD expires in 2030, the increased property taxes will benefit the city, its county, and Atlanta’s public schools. Continued public input and support is critical in future planning of the BeltLine. Residents can also volunteer to adopt portions of the BeltLine and increase support for it.

clockwise from top right: Atlantans for the BeltLine, source: Christopher Martin; rendering of combined trail/transit, source: Perkins + Will; BeltLine trail signage, source: Christopher Martin

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case study // city deck peter marotta & matthew nelson

// all hands on deck // restored purpose // responsive design

Green Bay’s new front porch aeccafe.com

summary The CityDeck, a four block linear park designed on the Fox Riverfront in downtown Green Bay, Wisconsin, is a great example of a reclaimed urban space. Green Bay’s riverfront transformed over time from a thriving location for shipping industry, into sparse warehouses and parking lots, and now finally into a place for the people of Green Bay to enjoy a relaxing environment and to embrace their city. Designed by Stoss Landscape Urbanism in Boston, Massachusetts, the CityDeck “aims to allow for significantly increased access to the river and to diversify social and ecological life along it”. Access to the river and connectivity along the riverside were themes used in order to make this place more suitable for the contemporary social quality of Green Bay as opposed to its fleeting industrial past.

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all hands on deck The Fox Riverfront’s success is rooted heavily in the dialog between the city, engaged citizens, communities, and organizations on the ground, along with a multidisciplinary team of architects, engineers, and developers. This “all hands on deck” approach is at the root of the park’s success and must be carried over to the Philadelphia’s reclamation initiative. In order for the Viaduct to be successful, the entire city of Philadelphia must be on board, including city officials, non-profit groups, community organizations, private developers, and innovative designers. This multi-faceted process will ensure that everyone is represented and ideally will produce a diverse and flexible solution that benefits all parties involved.

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restored purpose The Fox Riverfront remains true to its history by maintaining the traditional theme of connection while responding to the contemporary needs of the city. Booming industry serviced by boat and by rail are at the heart of downtown Green Bay’s history. By restoring the use of the river and providing a walking connection along the old rail corridor, the CityDeck references its past while serving the contemporary needs of Green Bay. Philadelphia has a similar industrial history and must preserve it and focus not on changing what is there, but using it in a fashion that is relevant to Philadelphia in the 21st century.

responsive design The waterfront revitalization remains successful because the program stays true to Green Bay’s spirit and history. Philadelphia is not like New York and neither one is like Green Bay. This is something cities must keep in mind when pursuing large scale public projects. It’s easy to create something beautiful and flashy, but incredibly difficult to maintain the spirit and certain qualities specific to that city. Philadelphia must create a public linear park that responds to the needs of Philadelphians and not create a space that is void of personality.

from top: new development along the Fox; Friday on the Fox; lasting image , the city deck at dusk. aeccafe.com 367

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case study // concrete plant park cindy culp & holly bonacum

// former industrial site // public-private partnerships

// local and regional connectivity

a view looking north up the Bronx River with Concrete Plant Park on the western shoreline, source: Daniel Avila

summary The citizens of the Crotona Park East section of the Bronx had to wait ten years to see the vision for Concrete Plant Park realized, but from all indications, it was well worth the wait. This seven acre park, constructed on the site of a former concrete plant, epitomizes the rebirth and transformation of a former industrial wasteland into a valuable community asset. Concrete Plant Park, a recent addition to the New York City Parks Department, is the result of innovative public-private partnerships and an important link in the development of the Bronx River Greenway. Surrounding land uses range from transportation, dense residential, industrial, and commercial. However, since the concrete plant was separated from the residential areas by a heavily traveled expressway and active rail lines, most residents werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even aware that a river ran through their neighborhood. Today Concrete Plant Park is a key location for many of the events held on the Bronx River each year as well as community 368

festivals. On a daily basis most users engage in walking, running, or bicycling on the main path that traverses the entire length of the park. Former relics from the concrete plant were structurally repaired and retained as historical references to the siteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s former industrial use.

former industrial site The property along the Bronx River where Concrete Plant Park currently stands was owned and operated by the Transit Mix Concrete Corporation from 1945 to 1987. It is a seven acre sliver of land bounded by Amtrak rail lines to the west and the Bronx River to the west. For more than a decade it sat as an abandoned industrial site filled with contaminated soil, scores of concrete debris, and trash. The city acquired the land in 1999 and intended to auction off the property. The New York Economic Development Corporation wanted to use the land to develop an alternate truck route. Ultimately, rallying community groups secured the rights to develop the land as a community park.

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public-private partnerships Foundational to the creation of this park are the public-private partnerships that brought it to fruition. The slow and persistent process to create a safe, livable community brought public agencies, the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, the Bronx River Alliance, Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice, as well as a host of other community organizations together. Their collaborative efforts spanned from the design phase, led by landscape architect James Mituzas of the city’s parks and recreation department, through implementation. Even today, though the city owns the park, the community participates in its maintenance.

local and regional connectivity The vision for Concrete Plant Park had always been its role as a vital link in the creation of a seven mile greenway along the Bronx River, the Bronx River Greenway, reaching from the

South Bronx to the Westchester city border to the north. It also reconnects the adjacent communities to the river. Finally, it is a circulation path that links communities that were formerly separated by this industrial site. The goals for the park’s design were to provide passive and active recreation, access to the river, and ecological restoration of the site itself, including the river’s edge. Residents specifically requested open play space that was not structured, such as basketball courts or playground equipment. They wanted a more “chill” space that would encourage contemplation and open space for unstructured play. They also wanted the site to reflect a sense of its industrial history. Due to the park’s open design process, the community continues to rally in support of this park because they feel a strong sense of ownership. Communities that might not otherwise interact do so regularly because of this common endeavor.

clockwise from top right: custom concrete benches reference site’s historical context, source: Daniel Avila; a view of the park looking south, source: Malcolm Pinckney; a restored relic gets a new life as an artistic gesture, source: Daniel Avila

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case study // el parc del cami comtal diana fernandez

// environmental sustainability // cultural sustainability // economic sustainability

axonometric rendering of the start of the Cami Comtal park, source: http://www. west8.com/projects/parks/ sagrera_linear_park/

summary Located on the Mediterranean coast between the mouths of the Llobergat and Besos rivers, Barcelona holds the key to moving towards a more livable city environment. El Parc Del Cami Comtal greenway moves this notion further. In 2002, the Ministry of Development, the Government of Catalonia and Barcelona City Hall agreed on the actions required to bring a High Speed Rail Network to Barcelona. The 3-mile, 100-acre expanse of land above the high-speed railway was open to an international urban design competition. In 2011 the “Barcelona Sagrera Alta Velocitat” announced the winners of the competition, The Cami Comtal Team. The team, composed of West 8, Alday Jover, and RCR, brought to Barcelona a “Green Lung” for the bustling city. The Cami Comtal Team proposed the general system of green areas in the city that will directly serve the nearby districts. With its construction, 180,000 people will be

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under 10 minutes away from green space. The park also integrates important transport nodes in the park itself like La Sagrera High Speed Railway, Sant Andreu Comtal Station, Metro and bus stations. The design includes new residential areas, a variety of business activities, as well as public amenities, parks and gardens which improve the quality of the urban environment and the quality of life of the surrounding neighborhoods.

environmental sustainability Environmental sustainability is addressed through the 100 acres of green space and the 8,000 new trees added to the urban tree canopy of Barcelona. Indigenious, drought tolerant plants were chosen in order to eliminate long-term irrigation for the park. The mobility network is planned to give priority to public transport. Two 2-way cycle paths will frame the park and serve as an axis from the primary network of this form of transport in the city.

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cultural sustainability

economic sustainability

Cultural sustainability solutions include the connection provided by the park for the historically separated neighborhoods. There was attention paid in the design of each of the green spaces so that they resembled each neighborhoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique cultural and historic history.

Economic sustainability solutions include day-lighting the Sagrera Station with air vents that use material from the existing infrastructure to daylight the tunnel. Inclusion of commercial, residential and recreational land uses also provides an economic stimulus.

plan and graphic perspectives of the site, source: http://www.west8. com/projects/parks/ sagrera_linear_park/

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case study // the high line david bilinski & w. john keiser iii

// transparent processes // enhance experiences with art // inclusive land development

Joel Sternfeld highlighted the beauty of the abandoned rail corirdors in his book Walking The High Line, source: Joel Sternfeld; These conditions were typical of the untamed growth

summary The High Line has been an asset to New York City since trains first left the Hudson Bay in th 1920s. The High Line is located in West Chelsea Manhattan. It was developed to assist the meatpacking industries need for shipping, and also to mediate the fatal collisions between people, cars, trains and horses on Tenth Avenue. Tenth Avenue became so notorious for these fatalities that it became known locally as Death Avenue. Men on horseback would escort the freight trains up and down Tenth Avenue in the 1920s and they became known as the West Side Cowboys. Eventually, New York City and the New York Central Railroad developed The West Side Improvement Project. The improvement project introduced the West Side Rail Viaduct, which stretched 13 miles long. This massive infrastructure project eliminated 105 streetlevel crossings and added 32 acres to the Riverside Park. Trains began soaring over Manhattan in 1934 and eventually the rail corridor was abandoned on Thanksgiving in 1980. As interstate trucking began to boom, many rail lines including the High Line were 372

abandoned. With the High line occupying viable real estate, many developers began lobbying for the demolition of the elevated rail line. Fortunately, Peter Obletz, a local Chelsea resident and railroad enthusiast, bought the High Line for $10 in the mid-1980s. After more years of lobbying developers, locals Robert Hammond and David Joshua formed the non-profit group Friends of The High Line (FOTHL).

transparent processes FOTHL pioneered the development of the rail corridor with community meetings and orchestrated an open ideas competition in 2004. The competition was initiated to keep the public informed of the design process and also to encourage debates over possible solutions. No matter the reality of the designs, they were intended to be contrasted with other solutions. FOTHL selected a handful of contestants from the open ideas competition to participate in an inter-disciplinary design competition, with the winning team ultimately designing the High Line.

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enhance experiences with art

inclusive land development

One of the most profound art exhibits on the High Line is Spencer Finchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s The River That Flows Both Ways. The installation features an array of glass panels that illustrate the changing nature of the Hudson River by translating the colors of photographs to the stained glass panels. This installation is both enticing as well as unimposing. Among the permanent art fixtures on the High Line, there are also temporary spaces that offer a unique opportunity for artists to exhibit their work. Temporary art installations also offer regular park visitors a chance to witness changes within the park.

The development occurring around the High Line was not a new concept to New York. When Central Park was finished, there was a significant growth of development around the destination as well. The Standard Hotel is the most notable development that has occurred along the High Lineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1.4 mile corridor because it spans directly over the High Line. The proximity of the hotel to the park has a tremendous impact on the way people use both spaces. A park as big as Central Park and a park as innovative as the High Line have caught the attention of the city, which has a positive outcome for residents, business owners and tourism.

clockwise from top right: Spencer Finchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s River That Flows Both Ways, source: artsobserver.com; The Standard Hotel, source: blogs. palmbeachpost.com; aerial view looking south at the High Line, source: weburbanist.com

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case study // la promenade plantee marquita heard

// celebrates site history // connections // economic development

The Viaduct des Arts utilizes the arched spaces below the promenade, source: houeandgardeningaddicts. wordpress.com

summary The Promenade Plantee, known as Coule Verte by the locals, is an abandoned rail line that was redeveloped into an urban greenway. It is 2.9 miles long and is a major connection for different parts of the city. It was the first development of its kind and is cited as the inspiration for the Highline in New York. A portion of the Promenade is elevated, then meets ground level and eventually goes below grade. However, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s extremely successful. The promenade has lovely features and is a garden environment for pedestrians. The linear greenway is 100 feet at its widest and 30 feet at its narrowest. It has pools, fountains, and vegetation that waves like a marsh. There are parterres hinting to Franceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s formal and baroque gardens. There are courtyard areas where people can play chess and hang out. There are pergolas and rose gardens. It has vistas out over the city and cuts through a couple

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of buildings. It accommodates bikes. It also goes under some tunnels and showcases artwork.

celebrates site history The parterres, fountains, and art work characteristic of Promenade Plantee celebrate Francesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; history as well as the Bastille neighborhood. A portion of the Promenade, the Viaduct des Arts, is a sixty six shop arcade. The shops are constructed of industrial materials such as glass, steel, and wood. These material choices are an intentional reference to the blue collar Bastille neighborhood of craft persons and artisans. These same materials are also repeated in other plazas throughout the Promenade to bring continuity to the entire site. The shops display the work of artists such as textile makers and painters, reviving the historical character of the Bastille area.

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connections

economic development

The 2.9-mile long Promenade connects central Paris to its eastern suburbs. This was consistent with Paris’ plan to connect areas within the city via a greenway system. The Promenade connects to the Boulevard Périphérique, a boundary that delineates the city of Paris and its suburbs. The Promenade is a component in the larger greenway system of Paris. A small overpass is being constructed over the Boulevard Périphérique to support the connection to the suburbs and the Bois de Vincennesis, another large park in the suburbs. Interestingly, this park used to be a king’s hunting grounds and is designed in the English landscape manner.

The Promenade is on the east side of Paris which is generally considered the poorer part of the city. The Promenade has helped to rejuvenate an area of Paris that was falling into disrepair and ruin. By the time it was finished, the Promenade became a “starting point for housing.” Due to the new development, new residents were drawn in, thus boosting the tax base. Realizing the potentially positive and long-lasting outcome of this trend, Paris procured funding to provide “eyes on the street and money to fund it.” To accomplish this, the city bought buildings and lots around the periphery of the Promenade. They then sold some of the buildings to private investors while developing the others. These investors were required to make the buildings eight to ten stories high so that the “doors and windows make the Promenade a livable space.”

clockwise from top right: Jardin de Rielly connecting neighborhoods, source: fr.wikipedia.com; Tunnels along the viaduct, source: marius_zh, flickr. com; french garden design used along the Promenade, source: gardenvisit.com

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case study // landschaftspark duisburg nord amy syverson & leah purdy

// preserve information layers // create the least possible impact // nature in a man-made system

a view up into blast furnace five. source: urbangreentm. blogspot.com

summary Peter Latz’s design of Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord exhibits restraint, thrift, and an understanding of natural process. The creation and success of this post-industrial park can act as a framework for decision making in parallel design projects, such as the repurposing of abandoned rail corridors on Philadelphia’s ‘Reading Viaduct’. Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord is located in Duisburg, Germany, an industrial city situated along a bend of the Rhine River. The formerly active Thyssen Steel Plant still stands on site, which produced steel through WWII and closed finally in 1988. The public park spans over 570 acres. It is open all year long, and open all hours. The park spaces are formally organized through Latz’s design philosophies: to allow natural process to function within manmade systems, to create the least possible impact, and to preserve information layers.

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preserve information layers and create the least possible impact Latz recognized the importance and oppressiveness of the Thyssen Steel ruins on the surrounding communities, and he used the memories evoked by the spaces to create a place that is vehemently cared for by its community of users. Latz’s treatment of the site’s relics honors this historically important public space while demonstrating an adherence to thriftiness or utilitarianism. When aligned with the values of modesty, respect for the past, and a strong proletariat work ethic, this park is situated as a place meant for the public which enables public politics to govern it’s uses. In a rare space that is largely free of rules, the park has very few incidents of personal injury or crime. It is not closed after dark, and usually is used at night by local teens. The park has even been programmed in part by its users, as they needed space for certain activities. Perhaps this success can be tied to the ability of such limited design interventions to align with the values of those that the park now services.

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The existence of ruins on site, left as they are and in place, creates a juxtaposition between two different scales of time that could never occur so simply in a situation of intesnive intervention. Not only are two times present on the site at once, but the work of the former factories, that so scarred the surrounding communities when it ended, is commemorated and carried forward by the new by the new format of garden work that happens there every day. The memorialization of the factory ruins is in no way sentimental, but it is matter of fact. It seems to welcome public discourse and exploration over time. It wants to be an open conversation, leading not only to a solution, but to an accumulated greater understanding that changes with each generation and with the dynamic processes working their way through the ruins every day.

was enacting a s little physical intervention as possible. Although his choices led to such simple solultions, the big decisions were deeply embedded in ethics. His choices aligned Duisburg-Nord with the using public, enabling the park to be a truly successful and inhabited space. nature in a man-made system Latz took an unusual approach to stormwater management, pollution remediation and treatment of plantings in Landschaftspark. He allowed the park to give way to natural processes, yet he decided not to ‘naturalize’ by design. In doing this, Latz made the statement that nature is naturally part of the human interventions that we release into the world, that technology is not immune from natural process, but intrinsically involved in it.

By choosing to design with an aesthetic of utility, Latz was able to create enormous impact on this site at the same time that he

top left: the ‘clearwater canal,’ source: landschaftspark. de; top right: pedestrian circulation follows historical industrial patterns, source: landschaftspark.de; bottom: the park’s industrial relics, source: pillboxs panaramio.com

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case study // santa fe railyard patrick whealton & felicia dipietro

// preserving railroad architecture // embracing the cultural landscape // land-use through community input

a newly-constructed water tower is a landmark within the site that reflects the utilitarian fucntion of the railyard, source: www.schwartzarch.com

summary The Santa Fe Railyard has long been a critically important site in Santa Fe, New Mexico since the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad first reached the frontier town in 1880. The railroad, literally and figuratively, was an economic engine that grew the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population, created a booming tourism industry, and drastically shaped the Santa Fe landscape. During this time of growth and change, the railyard became a prominent hub, both socially and economically, for the people of Santa Fe. After WWII, a new emphasis was placed on air travel and the interstate highway system, effectively lessening the importance of the railroad and thus triggering a deterioration of the railyard. In 1987, the City of Santa Fe declared the site a blighted area that required redevelopment. After the city purchased more than 50 acres from the A.T. & S.F. Railroad Company in 1995, a comprehensive design process for the redevelopment of the railyard began and a 13 acre conservation easement was established for a new public park adjacent to what would become a redeveloped 378

warehouse district. A Community Plan drawing on public visions was completed in 1996, followed by a Master Plan and Design Guidelines in 2001. The detailed plan for the 13 acre Railyard Park + Plaza was produced by Ken Smith (landscape architect), Frederic Schwartz (architect), and Mary Miss (artist) after an international design competition.

preserving railroad architecture Perhaps most significant about this project were the efforts made to preserve the simple Warehouse-Industrial style architecture that reflected the siteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history as a cultural point of fusion of east and west. The 2001 Master Plan and Design Guidelines observed that the remaining structures were mostly utilitarian in nature to serve the needs of the railroad; the simplistic rectangular footprints maximized storage capacity, the proximity and parallel orientation to the tracks facilitated ease of access, and one side of each building was accessed 30-36â&#x20AC;? above grade to accommodate trucks. Using these clues and others as a historical reference point, a set of architectural guidelines for

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new buildings was produced to maintain the authenticity of the railroad architecture.

embracing the cultural landscape In the design of the 13 acre Park + Plaza, Ken Smithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s approach revolved around the concept of borrowing ideas from the surrounding landscape of New Mexico to emphasize sense of place. The acequia, an irrigation system for desert environments, is utilized in the park by preserving the 400year old Acequia Madre as well as a new interpretation of the system in the Acequia Nina. The land in the site was graded to form gentle undulations to collect and harvest water. Most plants used in the park are native, drought-tolerant, and demonstrate the subtle hues and small flowers characteristic of desert flora.

land-use through community input Many of the land-use decisions made for the adjacent warehouse district were influenced by community engagement early in the design process. Today, the district contains a cultural museum, a teen center, a goods and produce market, restaurants, art galleries, and soon a new IMAX theater. Understanding the needs of the local community by thinking of the site as a community asset rather than simply a tourist destination has given the community a primary gathering space.

clockwise from top right: climbing trumpet vines; educational programs in the garden; drought-tolerant plantings and a railroad relic, source: www.railyardpark.org

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philadelphia

case study // the steelyard dennis murphy & aaron karnas

// recognizing the needs of the community // preserving industrial architecture // using innovative design solutions

SteelYard master plan, source: Christian Phillips Photography

summary The Steel Yard is a brownfield redevelopment project located in the Valley district about a quarter mile west of downtown Providence, Rhode Island. It is situated on a three and a half acre former industrial site of the Providence Steel and Iron Company. This company opened as a steel fabrication facility in 1902 and remained in operation until 2001, when it was sold to two investors. These investors, Nick Bauta and Clay Rockefeller, wanted to revitalize the area without harming its industrial heritage. At that time, a series of environmental analyses were conducted and, over a period of eight years, the site was developed into a sustainable multi-use landscape.

recognizing community

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needs

the

The 3.5-acre site is in an area of Providence that is characterized by urban blight unused or abandoned industrial properties, dilapidated houses, litter-filled lots, and few green spaces. High unemployment, high poverty and crime rates, as well as the lack of a community connection, define the socio380

economic conditions of the area. Therefore, one of the primary goals of the Steel Yard Organization and the designers of the project was its link to the community.

preserving industrial architecture The Steel Yard is a unique industrial landmark for the city of Providence, commemorating the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich industrial heritage. What is unique about it is that most of the architectural features of the former operation were retained and integrated into the site, which continues to exist as a functional industrial facility â&#x20AC;&#x201C; serving as the center for a non-profit industrial arts organization. The project has been recognized by the American Society of Landscape Architects in 2011 and is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The goals of the plan were to keep the buildings in their original form allowing them to retain their rustic character while at the same time upgrading them to be more functional. The developers sought to create affordable studio space for artists, as well as a public meeting place and educational

case studies

center where students could learn about the industrial arts. The landscape was to compliment the buildings with multi-use open lean spaces consisting of hardscape and softscape with grassy areas surrounding industrial relics. Outdoor spaces were designed to accommodate activities like car shows, open markets, movie showings, concerts, weddings, etc.

using innovative design solutions The Steel Yard site presented two major environmental challenges: stormwater management and removal or abatement of contaminated soil. Nearly one hundred years of spraying prefabricated steel products with lead based paint left large areas of contaminated soil around the perimeters of the buildings. Assessments of the site indicated that a substantial amount of the

soil would have to be removed and taken to a licensed disposal facility. Much of the remaining soil could be treated on site. Landscape architects from the Klopfer Martin design Group decided to incorporate “moats” around the buildings where soil had been removed as a way to manage storm water. This left the main floors of the buildings higher than the ground surrounding them. Treated soil that remained on site was used to create elevated areas or “islands” up to grade with the main floors of the buildings with ramps or bridges connecting the two. The Steel Yard continues to be a model for brownfield regeneration projects. The Steel Yard Organization strives to keep the site up to date. It is currently working to make the site energy self-sufficient by focusing on renewable energy sources.

clockwise from top right: vintage providence steel & iron co. sign; scrap metal retaining wall with meadow planting; overhead crane with corrugated bulkhead retaining wall, source: Christian Phillips Photography 381

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philadelphia

case study // südgelände nature park john tallon

// preserve the switchyard‘s history // protect vegetation and wildlife // spaces for art/educate the public

old repair station that was converted into theatrical performance space with the park’s central water tower feature standing in the background

summary The Templehof freight train switchyard opened in 1889 about 7.5 miles south of the city of Berlin. Here, goods were easily transported throughout Germany and neighboring countries. Until 1945 this served as one of Germany’s largest and most important switchyards. It was a key factor in the economic development and growth, not only for Berlin, but all of Germany. After WWII the switchyard went into decline and eventually completely shut down in 1952. After closing, the switchyard sat unused for nearly three decades. During this time nature began to spread and reclaim the land. After having sat for 30 years the German government started making plans to create a new switchyard. In response to these plans, the people of Berlin created the Allianz Environmental Foundation. This was one of the first of many different private and public organizations that fought for the creation of a nature park on the old switchyard site. After the decision had been made to preserve the land and create a nature park, two organization, were tasked with overseeing the construction of the park. ÖkoCon and Planland were hired to create the detailed 382

design of the 45 acre park. They were also tasked with creating a landscape maintenance plan for the continual upkeep of the park. ODIOUS was charged with the creative construction of the walkways within the park.

preserve the switchyard’s history The most significant aspect of the park was the effort made to preserve the old switchyard history. The old rail lines were converted into raised walkways. Buildings were renovated and repurposed as art and theatrical performance spaces. Buildings that were too dilapidated were closed off and made safe for the public to enjoy at a distance. Remaining pieces of the old switchyard were used within the landscape as focal points, pieces of artwork, or as functional interactive pieces within the park. The 164 foot tall iron water tower still stands as a center piece for the park. Visitors can climb to the to top of the tower for a view over the park.

case studies

protect vegetation and wildlife

spaces for art/educate the public

Protecting the existing vegetation and wildlife was a driving factor for all the development of the future nature park. The master design was created to have a low impact on the site. Raised walkways were installed to prevent plants from being disturbed by visitors. Instead of building new structures, some of the existing structures were renovated. Three different types of ecosystems were found on site: grasslands, open groves, and dense forest. Annual mowing preserved the character of the tall grass areas. Annual plant pruning and the removal of understory growth were used to maintain the open groves. The steps taken above would be enough to prevent the spread of dense forest.

Buildings such as the old train repair station were renovated to become new theatrical and artwork display spaces. Another building was used to create the BrĂźckenmeisterei Administration building at the entrance of the park. Besides have spaces within some buildings, spaces were also created outside within the landscape to display sculptures that were created by local German artists. In some cases the sculptures were used within the walkway. Large signs were installed along the parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s walkways in order to educate people visiting the park on local plant and wildlife.

clockwise from top right: outdoor artwork display space; sign used to educate the public; maintained open grove space with a walkway

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The Landscape Architecture Senior Design Studio of Spring 2012 would like to thank all involved in this engaging, challenging, and rewarding project. We truly appreciate the support of our friends and family, the dedication of our professors, and the passion of the educational community at Temple University. The 2012 Landscape Architecture cohort has been lucky to be together at least three days a week, 8 months a year, since the fall of 2009. Throughout their time at Temple, the Studio has collectively won a number of distinctions and awards. For their Spring Studio 2010 project, Envisioning Francisville’s Future, they received a PA-DE ASLA Honor Award

2011, and a National ASLA Honor Award 2011. Work from Envisioning Francisville’s Future was also presented at the Temple Undergraduate Research Forum Creative Works Symposium (TURF CreWS) 2011. For their 2011 Philadelphia Flower Show exhibit, Écolibrium, they received the Bulkley Medal of the Garden Club of America 2011, a PA-DE ASLA Honor Award 2012, and the PA-DE People’s Choice Award 2012. Interests of studio members outside of class range from modern quilting to sport fishing to scuba diving. Together, we have grown into a tight-knit team of diverse and talented individuals. We feel we are greater than the sum of our parts, and are so fortunate to have been part of this studio.