Metadata
Title
Breaking the Barrier
Subtitle
A technological facade that bridges interaction between members and the public
Creator
Ross, Megan E.
Location
Havertown, PA, USA
Call Number
005-LF-S004
Date
2014
School
The Catholic University of America
Category
Student
Prize
Honorable Mention, Student Category
Project Assumption
While the technology of 2050 will have greatly advanced, the architecture of the historic district will remain the unchanged. the pride and ornament of Philadelphia is seen in its original buildings, therefore the New athenaeum mimics them. knowledge is first dissiminated through technology, and then through books and drawings, providing a heirarchy of information based on membership.
Project Statement
The public sees the Philadelphia Athenaeum of 2050 as a mysterious space. The facade gives the appearance of a very heavy building, but once the user has passed through the doors they are instantly freed of the heaviness and surrounded by openness and light. The member has the privilege to experience this phenomenon, as well as travel to the lower levels to interact with historic documents that can only be seen in physical copy. As with the historical Athenaeum, the public’s interface with the building is through the facade, which progressively changes throughout the day to become a completely new building by nightfall.
Registration Number
46131881