Philadelphia Athenaeum 2050

Philadelphia Athenaeum 2050

Bernier, Christian

Parkton, MD, USA

005-LF-S028

2014

The Catholic University of America

Student

We live in a time in which technology and culture are changing and advancing and changing at an increasingly fast rate. There is a strong movement toward the digital which the Athenaeum of Philadelphia needs to embrace. Despite the changing technology, the heart of the Athenaeum is today and always will be in paper. While technology can help optimize the Athenaeum, it is no replacement for paper. The biggest room for change comes in the relationship of the building to the site. There is strong potential to engage the public and draw them in creating a new generation of supporters.

The Athenaeum of 2050 needs to engage the public without compromising the needs and privacy of the members. There is great opportunity, being in a high traffic area, to create a strong image within the community. By angling the façade towards the most prevalent pedestrian viewpoint, it creates an engaging and inviting feel towards the building. By pushing the lower more public floor back, a void is created drawing the public in. The façade itself is a representation of the nature of the future Athenaeum, meshing the future and past. There are heavy grounded masonry patched with a dynamic and modern glass curtain wall.

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