The Convention Center Parking Facility in Philadelphia is a new "Green" garage that features electric car charging spots, a green roof above the first level and almost entirely LED lighting.
The garage is concealed behind a mesh scrim, which became a blank canvas. Most evenings the mesh scrim is illuminated with one solid color (usually blue green or purple). Even though this is the standard, programs that are kinetic are also available. Some of the highlights include the American flag, as well as the facade looking like a piano and playing the Theme from "Rocky".
The color changing fixtures that light the facade have two sets of aimable optics. A wide distribution was used at the bottom, while a narrower 5° optic was used for the top section.
The lighting in the garage itself provides even illumination and high color rendering while minimizing glare in order to create a safe and welcoming environment.
A backlit material, a cove around the perimeter and a view of the historic church next door make the lobby a very interesting space. The garage was built close enough to the church next door that it now blocks a series of windows on the side of the church. Light fixtures were mounted in the alley in order to simulate daylight through the stained glass windows.
The view from the roof is one of the best views you will find of Downtown Philadelphia as it is located near Center City and City Hall. The fixtures were placed in the center of the roof as opposed to the sides to preserve the view from the street.
While the facade lighting was intended to obscure the concrete structure behind it, the parking facility has become a visual terminus on Arch St, directly across from the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
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