Project Description & History
How irregular can property boundaries be? According to this project, it can be a 10-sided polygon that resembles a comic book speech bubble. It is often challenging when boundary lines form irregular angles. For ease of construction, the building can very well be wrapped by dull siding walls. But the context calls for something more.
Cyclists, cars, buses, and trolleys zip back and forth at this intersection, where three major avenues and streets converge. Moreover, this project was humbled by the magnificent historical gem across the street, the West Philadelphia Title and Trust building. And so, boring boxes would not do the scenery any justice.
The building is sculpted by pushing and pulling at different angles and levels. Balconies and bay windows that vary in shape and height add irregularity to the façade. The deepest push on the fourth floor creates spacious outdoor roof decks for a few dwelling units, and the street-level façade continues the tradition of bricks. The remainder of the façade is a play of white fiber cement panels and brown siding, where both materials compensate for each other.
