Navy Yard Pedestrian Connector
The first link in a new pedestrian-first neighborhood network.
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Client: Ensemble / Mosaic
Size: 3 acres
Project status: Construction complete 2023.
Project team: Ground Reconsidered; THA (Prime) DIGSAU; Pennoni; Rodriguez Consulting; The Lighting Practice; ENV; db HMS.
The Pedestrian Connector is an enabling project for the future vision of the Navy Yard as a vibrant pedestrianized and mixed-use neighborhood. It creates a key initial link between the historic core and corporate center districts, new residential development, community green spaces, and multi-modal transit options. The project resolves stormwater management requirements with circulatory needs to shape a vibrant pedestrian realm animated by places to wander, gather, and relax in a lushly planted garden setting.
The project lays the groundwork for the necessities and amenities needed to fulfill the ‘Live, Make, Play’ model that have been deemed essential to the continued success and evolution of the Philadelphia Navy Yard. It is a space of linear movement and circulation, but by design, includes pockets for one to wander, pause, and enjoy a quiet moment surrounded by a generous and largely native planted landscape. The “Front Porch,” optimally located adjacent to ground floor retail, acts as a social hub, offering seating opportunities and encourages the community to gather. In short, the Pedestrian Connector, while designed as a shared use space, does what successful urban neighborhoods do; it makes a commitment to the pedestrian experience first and foremost.
Didactic and engaging paving patterns reveal stormwater strategies.
Matrix planting provides texture and color in every season.
