The Porch v1.0
Activating and enlivening Philadelphia’s transit gateway.
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Client: University City District
Size: 1/2 acre
Project status: Construction complete 2012
Project team: Ground Reconsidered
In 2012, the University City District (UCD) hired Ground Reconsidered to transform a 50’ x 565’ barren hardscape plaza sitting parallel to Market Street adjacent to 30th Street Station, into a vibrant destination space for the public. The intent was to create a flexible social space that would grow and evolve over time. Ground Reconsidered worked with UCD to design the space on a fast track schedule, adhering to strict budgetary constraints.
A primary goal for the Porch v1.0 was to create a human-scale environment. The existing plaza’s vast area was broken into a series of unique outdoor rooms furnished with movable multi-colored chairs, recliners, and cafe tables. Concrete agricultural watering troughs were retrofitted for use as innovative planters that overflow with annuals, soften the hardscape, and form a protective border along Market Street. Additional planters break up the length of the plaza, and large pots filled with seasonal planting are clustered at entry and exit points. The space rapidly became a welcoming destination for visitors , as well as for commuters who pass through each day.
