Designing the Delaware Power Station
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The adaptive reuse of the Delaware PowerStation is divided into two essential components; recreational spaces and galleries. Its two Boiler halls frame divide the program along the buildings East to West axis and is split by a central path for circulation that can transport users to either section. To the boiler hall south of its axis, the boiler stacks that occupied 12 distinct bays are removed from 2nd floor up and in their place, galleries are suspended into enormous and cavernous space. Similarlily, to the north of the central axis, the identical boiler hall is stripped as well leaving only a small portion of its boilers on the ground floor. Gynmasiums, running tracks, and various rooms scaled similarly to the art galleries, are to used for exercise and fitness rooms by the community and people who frequent the new waterfront trails that run through the site. Towards the edge of the pier, a boardwalk-like park deviates along the historic waterfront line carved into the site. The coal house that once fueled the power station in the past now ‘fuels’ the design as the place were users first enter the project and are transported into the either boiler hall or directly to the new exhibition hall.