Breanna Sheeler

The city of Philadelphia in 2050 will be a new precedent in green urbanism. Citizen-centric master planning ensures walkable communities, biophilic landscaping, and robust mass transit. Five keystone zones will lead future progress for Philadlephia.

 

The redevelopment plan of Schuylkill Yards focuses on connecting the two sides of the river in an attempt to revitalize this part of West Philadelphia. By creating a public park, essential natural infrastructure is brought to the city. This park will feature water retention, large growth trees and landscaping, and a series of pavilions with different public programs. All new development is
being constructed above the existing rail lines, with I76 to be relocated underground.

 

Within the scope of the master plan for Schuylkill
Yards, sites were zoned for high-rise development. The northernmost plot was identified as a key anchor for the new public park and connection to existing cultural epicenters. The prevailing environmental conditions of the area were considered for optimal arrangement, and dictated the development of the skyscraper design.

 

Upon the foundations of the new Philadelphia plan
and Schuylkill Yards master plan, the Nova Natura
Institute was built. For ten weeks a thorough design process explored aspects of biomimicry, structural systems, program accommodation, and sustainable performance.

 

The Nova Natura shall serve as headquarters to Philadelphia’s branches of the Department of the Interior, as government offices which pursue the protection of the environment. Recreation and education services will engage the surrounding parklands and newly established habitats. Private commercial operations will financially support the center, focusing on natural resource management and energy generation. The building itself shall support these endeavors through cutting edge performance systems and integrated technologies that generate and monitor renewable resources.

 

Ultimately, the Design 9 SmartCity studio culminated in a compelling proposal for a new beacon of environmental stewardship for the future of Philadelphia.

 

Design 9 - fall 2018

 

Schuylkill Yards Team Members:

Alison Eberhardt, Craig Altorfer, Alyssa Moyer, & Bobby Deslis