ADC159 Studio Design II | Professor Ariel Vazquez | Autumn 2023

SketchUp, Lumion

This project involved retrofitting and restoring a near-defunct warehouse in Philadelphia’s historic Navy Yard. As corporations and academic institutions renovate the neighborhood, we were tasked with creating a community center to welcome new Philadelphians.

Required programming included a small library, an art gallery, a presentation theater, and a garden space with a contemplative reflection pool.

My main focus was creating an outdoor space that is highly integrated with the interior. I took inspiration from other retrofit projects such as the High Line in New York, seeking to reclaim industrialized space with nature.

With grand glass garage doors to open up the space in the temperate Philadelphian climate, there is an easy transition from indoors to out. Benches hanging from the existing stripped rafters allow for a relaxing, slow-paced area deep within the industrial park.