The New Old Toy

A Community Center

As toy industry develops rapidly, the taste and need of kids are changing rapidly as well. The generational updates of toy industry are now suffocating the lower-end of the production. More and more high tech and low-quality toys, less and less repair and lasting of toys. The toy recycling industry is still under-development in the United States, while the gap between supply and demand is becoming larger.

Instructor: Maya Alam

Site Location: Callowhill, Philadelphia

The idea of Eccentricity occurs between spheres and cubes, where one nest into the other, one stretch the other, therefore creates tangency and seams. Through lenses of materials and textures, curve and linear misconceptions, and the idea of eccentricity, the Callowhill neighborhood is awaiting something new.

Ramps circulating the market space bring the playground up high. With walking area and resting areas spreading the entire site, all generations can enjoy the outdoors.

The playground also extend to the viaduct park, on which seating areas and playground areas have a weather-proof overhang, which is more adequate for the Callowhill residents.

Focusing on relationships between curves and lines, between what we understand as straight and proper and curved and crooked, this market utilizes the concept of eccentricity to nest program and form into the neighborhood.