By Ed Hille
Scale of buildings behind Pier 3
March 8
Dear PlanPhilly member,
This update comes to you as we are organizing all the information that came out of the amazing, invigorating three-day design workshop last weekend.
Over 500 citizens packed the standing-room-only presentation of the first ideas and renderings of what our waterfront could be. Over the next six months, we will refine these first elements to grow into a final report and exhibition to help the citizens of Philadelphia reclaim their Central Delaware riverfront. For full coverage of the event, visit www.planphilly.com.
The ideas that emerged from this intensive workshop are conceptual and real.
They are by no means final. The design teams were charged with unleashing us from the straightjacket view of ourselves and imagine ourselves as a 21st century city. These ideas crackle with energy dynamism and vision. We have taken a quantum leap toward imagining who we are and what we might become.
Some of the ideas that came out of this were big, such as bridging the divide of I-95 and reconnecting the city back in a way that creates sound urban form. Some were smaller but equally important, such as creating a
recreational and pedestrian trail and public spaces along the central riverfront. All of these ideas, concepts, hopes and dreams quilt together to begin to create the waterfront vision that the citizens of Philadelphia and our surrounding region so badly need.
For full press coverage of the three-day design workshop visit http://www.planphilly.com/news/83
The foundation for the designers was the principles developed in community forums attended by over 450 citizens on Feb. 12, 19, and 20, 2007. Read more about the sessions here: http://www.planphilly.com/node/1032
The design workshop was covered by both daily papers and local television news. Please read and view this coverage below:
Inga Saffron in Monday's Inquirer:
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/16835807.htm
Earni Young in Monday's Daily News:
http://www.philly.com/mld/dailynews/16835868.htm
Inquirer Editorial:
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/editorial/16841983.htm
Daily News Editorial:
http://www.philly.com/mld/dailynews/16857259.htm
Fox 29:
http://www.myfoxphilly.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail?contentId=2563770&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=1.1.1
PlanPhilly.com reporters covered the event extensively. Imbedded in each of the design groups, they produced fascinating accounts of the creative
process. The amount of content is truly remarkable and will serve as a valuable archive as we move ahead. Please explore www.planphilly.com for
reports and videos of the entire three day event. We're looking forward to moving forward on this project and hope you join us every step of the way.
All the best,
Harris Steinberg
--
PennPraxis Office
410 Duhring Wing
University of Pennsylvania School of Design Philadelphia, PA 19104-6311
Tel: 215-573-8720
Fax: 215-573-9600
