Kevin Rorabaugh
AIA, RA, NCARB, CPHD

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Schuylkill Banks Skyscraper

Addition to the emerging west philadelphia skyline shaped by the flows of the city.

As the city of Philadelphia grows in the 21st century, new development is essential despite the limited space within the urban fabric. Recent initiatives to encourage use of intermodal transportation, in particular the regional passenger rail system, has created a greater flow of workers into the city via 30th Street Station on the west bank of the Schuylkill River. A high rise development in this location providing office space, hospitality, retail, and public amenities could help to realize the civic potential of this major transit node.This design study focuses on the coordination of all the disparate functions into a cohesive whole.

 

sitephoto

Existing Forces Surrounding the Project Site.

 

aerial

University City Site Context Analysis.

 

aerial

Context Images.

 

concept1

concept1

Concept Sketches.

 

test1test2

test3test4test5

Design Development.

 

massmassmass

Massing Models.

 

elev

Tower South Elevation & Cross Section

  1. Schuylkill Banks Skyscraper
  2. Existing Cira Center Offices
  3. 30th Street Rail Station
  4. Walnut Street
  5. Penn Park & Athletic Fields
  6. Retail Terrace
  7. Parking & Vehicle Entry
  8. Pool & Recreation Terrace
  9. Mechanical Level
  10. Office Sky Lobby & Conference Center
  11. Hotel Sky Lobby
  12. Observation Deck

 

zones

Skyscraper Functional Zones.

 

comparison

Comparison of Philadelphia Skyscrapers

  1. Philadelphia City Hall | 1901 | 548 ft (167m)
  2. One Liberty Place | 1987 | 945 ft (288m)
  3. Two Liberty Place | 1990 | 846 ft (258m)
  4. Mellon Bank Center | 1990 | 790 ft (241m)
  5. Bell Atlantic Tower | 1991 | 738 ft (225m)
  6. Cira Center | 2005 | 436 ft (133m)
  7. Comcast Center | 2008 | 974 ft (297m)
  8. Comcast Innovation Center | 2018 | 1,122 ft (342m)
  9. Schuylkill Banks Skyscraper | Proposed | 1,100 ft (335m)

 

curtain1

curtain2

Exterior Enclosure Details.

 

park

View of Skyscraper & Ground Level Retail Terrace from Penn Park.