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Drexel University College of Media Arts and Design URBN Center
Drexel University College of Media Arts and Design URBN Center
Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Other Projects by MSR (Meyer, Scherer & Rockcastle)
Drexel University College of Media Arts and Design URBN Center
Philadelphia, PA, United States
The respectful repurposing of a landmark Venturi, Scott Brown DECORATED SHED provides a home for Drexel University’s College of Media Arts and Design. Though the building is not protected by preservation guidelines and the original architects are still practicing, MSR understood the importance of honoring this early example of modern mannerism in the adaptive reuse.
To transform the former 130,000 square-foot office building and 13,000 square-foot annex, the design concept embraces the realities of the shed—a cost-effective, four-story commercial box. Key goals included bringing together disparate departments and encouraging cross-collaboration. To meet these goals and respect the shed, the design focuses on:
RESPECTING THE ORIGINAL INTENT
VSBA designed the building to accommodate expansion. MSR acknowledged that this original intent could provide a foundation for the reuse. More precious elements (such as the iconic decoration) were preserved, while less celebrated elevations were open to intervention. Inside, a new four-story atrium responds to the central concentration of decorative tiles on the façade.
MAKING MORE WITH LESS
The college needed to accommodate 30% more program than was available in the buildings. To resolve this challenge, the designers added partial mezzanine floors along the atrium to free up space for circulation, service functions, and common areas. The designers were able to gain more space by distilling program requirements, negotiating sizes, and proposing space sharing.
ADAPTABLE SPACES FOR LEARNING
Another strategy for maximizing space was to make program areas highly flexible. Custom architectural components (e.g., pivoting, sliding, and bifolding doors/walls in 23 locations) allow students and faculty to easily adapt spaces for learning, critiques, and exhibitions.
LEARNING THROUGH PRESENTATION
Located adjacent to the shed, the annex houses public venues including an art gallery, black box theater, and screening room. While the shed provides a workshop-like space for making, the more refined aesthetic of the annex offers a backdrop for display and performance of the work conceived in the shed.
To transform the former 130,000 square-foot office building and 13,000 square-foot annex, the design concept embraces the realities of the shed—a cost-effective, four-story commercial box. Key goals included bringing together disparate departments and encouraging cross-collaboration. To meet these goals and respect the shed, the design focuses on:
RESPECTING THE ORIGINAL INTENT
VSBA designed the building to accommodate expansion. MSR acknowledged that this original intent could provide a foundation for the reuse. More precious elements (such as the iconic decoration) were preserved, while less celebrated elevations were open to intervention. Inside, a new four-story atrium responds to the central concentration of decorative tiles on the façade.
MAKING MORE WITH LESS
The college needed to accommodate 30% more program than was available in the buildings. To resolve this challenge, the designers added partial mezzanine floors along the atrium to free up space for circulation, service functions, and common areas. The designers were able to gain more space by distilling program requirements, negotiating sizes, and proposing space sharing.
ADAPTABLE SPACES FOR LEARNING
Another strategy for maximizing space was to make program areas highly flexible. Custom architectural components (e.g., pivoting, sliding, and bifolding doors/walls in 23 locations) allow students and faculty to easily adapt spaces for learning, critiques, and exhibitions.
LEARNING THROUGH PRESENTATION
Located adjacent to the shed, the annex houses public venues including an art gallery, black box theater, and screening room. While the shed provides a workshop-like space for making, the more refined aesthetic of the annex offers a backdrop for display and performance of the work conceived in the shed.
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