The Oval v1.0
Strategic interventions brought life and color to Philly’s parkway.
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Client:: Philadelphia Parks and Recreation
Size: 1 acre
Project status: v1.0 completed July 2013.
Project team: Ground Reconsidered
Ground Reconsidered was commissioned by the Philadelphia Department of Parks & Recreation to transform a barren surface parking lot on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway into “The Oval”, a temporary urban oasis programmed with activities and events for all ages. The Oval pop-up park debuted in July 2013, and operated for 2 months in its first season.
The concept for turning the Oval into a seasonal destination was born out of the 2013 More Park, Less Way plan to help invigorate the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The project, as designed by Ground Reconsidered, was a prototype for future installations and was constructed on a rigorous schedule with a limited budget. The armature that was designed for the site has proven to be highly successful. In the subsequent seasons, the visual identity of the space has evolved, its popularity has grown, and the Oval has become a signature summer space on the Parkway.
