Sustainability Center

Location: Navy Yard, Philadelphia, PA

3rd year studio (fall 2011): 14 weeks

Programmatically, this project intends to be an educational space dedicated to principals of sustainability, offering exhibition, auditorium & classroom spaces, supported by employee offices and a cafe. Conceptually, I sought to question current techniques considered to be sustainable. My building choices were driven by the knowledge that this site lies within the 100 year flood plain and that scientists conservatively predict that sea levels will rise 6-8 feet by 2080; essentially, this site will be under water during the next big storm and fully submerged within a matter of decades, well before the useful end of the building is reached. As a result, I placed my masses on the Delaware River built upon floating foundations rather than on land so it could outlive the current site conditions. I also aimed to create positive environmental impacts & insights through this project between the oyster farm situated between my floating buildings, allowing the site it would have occupied to become publicly accessible & to act as a bellwether of the heights sea levels will reach without dramatic interventions starting today.

Architecturally, the buildings are arranged around a central courtyard & oyster farm, providing light & views to the other education spaces. Each building is linked by glazed bridges, contrasting with the solidity of most of the exterior & allowing for a more intimate experience with the water. Double height spaces help open up the compact spaces & enable daylighting greater effectiveness.