The Discovery Center is an urban bird sanctuary and leadership development center conceived in partnership between The Audubon Society of Pennsylvania, Outward Bound Philadelphia, and the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood. The Center offers programming aimed at connecting city residents with nature. The project site surrounds a 37-acre decommissioned reservoir.
The creation of the East Park Reservoir in the 1870’s was a monumental achievement of 19th Century urban infrastructure. Over time, as the basins have been decommissioned, the man-made landscape has given way to the restorative forces of nature. Closed for decades, the Discovery Center project reopens the site for public access.
For many years the reservoir was concealed from view by fencing, dense vegetation, and a significant grade change from street level. The design of the newly opened Discovery Center amplifies the strange and compelling sensation of ascending from an urban landscape to an unexpected and elevated body of water.
South Elevation
The design relies on simple forms, including a nearly 500’ charred wood façade and site wall, to create a single, poignant portal from the city to this unexpected natural setting, drawing visitors in and heightening the experience of revelation.
The design employs a limited palette of materials. The primary exterior material is western red cedar charred by fire. This centuries-old wood preservation technique greatly extends the life of the material, embodying the paradox of natural forces that are at once destructive, restorative, and protective. The choice of building material invites another level of inquiry into both the novel ecology of the site and our inhabitation of the natural world.
The building serves as a gateway that allows visitors to access the site without requiring entry to the building. After hours, a hand forged steel pivoting security gate maintains a visual connection with the reservoir. Conceived by local artist Warren Holzman, the weathering steel gate references a long tradition of blacksmithing and decorative sanctuary gates in Philadelphia.
Entry Portal
Iron Studio
Iron Studio Pivot Gate Detail
Detail of bird strike prevention donor wall fabricated by Traction Company
Projects
PPR Residence Hall
Jefferson School
Discovery Center
Bigham Leatherberry Wise Place
Matchbox
The Study at University City
Caesar Rodney Hall - Dining & Residential
W P Point
Edible Garden and Classroom
Multi-purpose Building
Campus Bookstore & Development Office
Pavilion & Children's Discovery Garden at Sister Cities Park
Gore Capabilities Center
Base Camp Delta
150 Rouse Boulevard
Construction Training & Education Center
Library Playspace
Bus Shelters
Housing Northwest Arkansas
Arts Café Expansion & Renovation
Margaret Passmore Trickey Building
201 Rouse Boulevard
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Yards Brewery
East Lansing 2030
The Global Learning Center
The Cove
Dogfish Head Brews and Eats
351 Rouse Boulevard
Annex Training Facility
Pool Pavilion
Shallcross Hall
Veil Garden
Rural Loft
Private Residence
Delaware History Museum
Terracurtain
Rittenhouse Hill
Corn Mobile
DIGSAU
340 North 12th Street
Suite 421
Philadelphia, PA 19107
v 215.627.0808
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Architect III
We are seeking a high-energy Designer III or Architect III. The successful applicant will be a selfmotivated and creative problem-solver, exhibiting strong management and design skills.
Architect II
We are seeking a high-energy Designer II or Architect II. The successful applicant will be a selfmotivated and creative problem-solver, exhibiting strong management and design skills.
Architect I
We are seeking a full-time architectural designer with exceptional graphic and illustration skills along with drafting and modeling abilities.

If you would like to be considered for an internship or full-time position, e-mail a cover letter, resume, references and portfolio to employment@digsau.com as one PDF document. Please limit attachments to 2MB. We will respond to you should the appropriate opportunity be available. No phone calls please.