THE NEST

PUBLIC EATERY

* Awarded first place in Schenk-Woodman Competition

ARCH 502

Institution: University of Pennsylvania

Location: Callowhill, Philadelphia, PA

Group Project: individual roles included conceptual design, 3D Modeling of project, and creating drawings

The Nest’s proposal for the intersection of Noble Street and Ridge Avenue emerged from a desire to connect pedestrian traffic on the street level to the Rail Park using a series of interventions which both respect and enrich the site. These spaces are divided into two basic programmatic portions, the scaffolding structure resting on the street level, and the “Eggs,” which are suspended above the Rail Park. The project seeks to harmoniously align both aesthetically and physically with the industrial and infrastructural aspects of the Rail Park and greater Callowhill.

Further, The Nest aims to provide a variety of programmatic and spatial experiences for the user. The scaffolding structure is designed to accommodate public and semi-private eating spaces which feature operable facade elements and are therefore adaptable to the needs of the user. The spaces within the scaffolding structure are densely organized, designed to immerse the user within a forest of structural members and moments. Further, as a result of the transparent nature of its construction, the scaffolding structure frames the spectacle of human circulation. “The Eggs,” which comprise the second spectacle of the project, are a series of ovoid private eateries which hang over the Rail Park itself. Suspended from a space-frame which is composed of both existing and additive structural pieces, The Eggs extend the project’s focus on opacity, providing for user privacy through the utilization of a translucent ETFE enclosure and netting skin.

LINK TO COMPETITION PUBLICATION: https://www.design.upenn.edu/architecture/graduate/post/2022-schenck-woodman-prizewinners-announced