Philadelphia’s existing infrastructure consisting of a combined sewer system is prone to overloading during the rains causing the discharge of sewage into the Schuylkill and Delaware rivers. To check the pollution of the respective rivers, the Green Infrastructure Initiative of Philadelphia (GIIP) was set up.
Located between the Schuylkill River and Delaware River watersheds, the Pierce center is proposed to be Philadelphia’s storm water management hub, accommodating the new headquarters of the GIIP.
The focus of the Peirce center’s design is to retardate the flow of water, utilizing it for agricultural purposes within the building. At the same time the center focuses on enhancing human interaction with the help of education and community interaction. The four main objectives of the Peirce center are to learn, practice, advocate and spread awareness within and beyond the local neighborhood. It is important that a user of the Peirce Center understands its function and its daily activities; as a result the building contains certain open spaces to provide visual flow within it.
Located at the intersection of 24th Street and Christian Street in Philadelphia
Outdoor Cafe
Integrating the concept of 'Controlled Flow' into the G.I.I.P. Program - exploring circulation, proximity of spaces and tectonics
Concept of 'Controlled Flow'
Process models - exploring tectonics, quality of spaces, technology, climatic factors and structure
