Philadelphia Grotesque Revisited

Philadelphia Grotesque Revisited

A continuation of the unique, experimental architectural expression that flourished in Philadelphia in the second half of the 19th century.

Stanev, Petra

Lohbauer, Ryan

Keshet, Elizabeth

Styer, Melissa

Wang, Chun

Philadelphia, PA, USA

2014

005-LF-P001

Stanev Potts Architects

Professional

1st Place, Professional Category

Center City is dense with housing, young businesses, and award-winning schools as Philadelphia has become an innovation and design hub. With life becoming increasingly virtual, interest in physical artifacts, archived drawings, and preserved narratives flourishes. Professionals, students and artists have made the Athenaeum reading rooms a home. Rather than restricting access, the Athenaeum adapted to accommodate additional uses. With the mission to preserve Philadelphia’s heritage still paramount, the archives were moved into a jewel box-like underground vault, equipped with rigorous environmental controls and robotic, searchable filing systems. A public garden extends Washington Square. Above, one tower holds Athenaeum functions and another rentable studio spaces.

In looking forward to the Athenaeum remaining Philadelphia’s premier Architectural Library, we present a greatly expanded and visible building, which will support the organization’s mission to disseminate useful knowledge by encouraging access by a great range of Philadelphians. The project’s physical manifestation is a continuation of the unique and experimental architectural expression flourishing in Philadelphia around the time of the original building’s construction. We embrace this spirit of research and innovation and present the literal “Ornament of Philadelphia”, a building/study of surface elaboration that demonstrates the Athenaeum’s enduring relevance as the steward of a locale’s history and artifacts, which can launch new creations into their own era of expression.

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