Areas
Manifest Reflectivity
Manifest Reflectivity deploys the familiar in order to evoke memories of the neighborhood. Reflection is a theme throughout the project that mirrors elements of the vernacular, activities and its inhabitants. The goal of the project is to metaphorically, visually, and psychologically manifest a theatrical reflection of the neighborhood, rather than a manifest destiny.
West Philadelphia rowhomes are often found as a twinned, mirrored or reflected typology. The operation of reflection, taking one façade and mirroring it along a vertical axis as a design method, is a prominent architectural theme in West Philadelphia. The mirrored façade allows for some continuity among rowhomes, but also allows for anomalies to occur. Color, material, texture, details, rooflines and vegetation are all elements that acknowledge but sometimes disengage their mirrored façade counterpart. Gables, ogee arch, and other modified pointed arches occur throughout West Philadelphia’s vernacular.
Within the last few years, 922 streets in Philadelphia were banned from obtaining permits to host block parties on their street. In response, The proposed new building will act as a market, transit hub, and Nature Park gives the surrounding area access to outdoor gathering spaces that are usable - loosely programmed greenspaces. Both the Nature Park and a community market are two amenities that have been identified as important opportunities for the area. Greenspace and outdoor gathering space, especially in the face of airborne viral infections, becomes a great place to escape the home, but also a necessary area for the ability to practice social distancing.