The new building for Frankford Friends School unites the Middle School with the school’s main campus by providing three new classrooms, a dedicated music room and a multi-purpose room. The design of the building responds to the scale and form of the school’s existing buildings and together with the main school building, creates a coherent perimeter for the campus, framing the historic Frankford Friends Meetinghouse prominently in its foreground. The new 1,800 sf multi-purpose room is located along Orthodox Street, opening onto the campus’ main courtyard, establishing an interior counterpart to the school’s exterior gathering and play space.
The design reflects the school’s core Quaker values through its simple form, and use of natural materials, and to be highly sympathetic to the existing campus including the historic Frankford Friends Meetinghouse at the center of the campus. The building’s design maximizes opportunities for the phasing of construction as resources become available and incorporates numerous sustainable design initiatives.
"Overall strategy shows great restraint, a thoughtful treatment of the program, and a resolution into a simple yet compelling building form." -AIA Philadelphia Awards Jury
Referencing the wood clapboard siding of the Meeting House, the building’s skin consists of an open-joint rainscreen wall of wood slats. Untreated and exposed to the elements, the wood will slowly weather into a warm silver-gray.
The building’s public spaces serve as informal gathering spaces, providing opportunities for students and teachers to socialize beyond the walls of the classroom.
Recognition:
2015 AIA Pennsylvania Honor Award
2013 AIA Philadelphia Honor Award
Projects
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Center For Advanced Technologies - Bucks County Community College
PPR Residence Hall - Swarthmore College
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The Clay Studio
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The Study at University City
Basecamp Delta
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Gore Capabilities Center
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Tyler School of Art - Temple University
Library Playspace
Intercultural Engagement Center - University of Delaware
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Yards Brewery
Aqua Foro
Matchbox - Swarthmore College
Iovance Biotherapeutics
Pavilion & Children's Discovery Garden at Sister Cities Park
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Edible Garden and Classroom - Tyler Arboretum
SEPTA Bus Shelters
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Philadelphia Union Training Facility
The Global Learning Center
The Cove
201 Rouse Boulevard
351 Rouse Boulevard
Barnegat House
Courtyard House
Rural Loft
DIGSAU
340 North 12th Street
Suite 421
Philadelphia, PA 19107
v 215.627.0808
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Job Posting: Architect I/Designer I
We are seeking a full-time architectural designer with exceptional graphic and illustration skills along with drafting and modeling abilities. The roles and responsibilities of the Architect I/Designer I position include broad exposure to many aspects of project design and delivery, including participation in developing design concepts, creating presentation materials, working on construction documents, and assisting in construction administration. The candidate must be a multi-tasking, detail-oriented, hard-working team player.
View full job description here.
Job Posting: Architect II/Designer II
We are seeking a full time Designer II or Architect II. The successful applicant will be a self-motivated and creative problem-solver, exhibiting strong management and design skills. The roles and responsbilities of the Architect II/Designer II position include broad exposure to many aspects of project design and delivery, including participation in developing concepts, creating presentation materials, working on construction documents, and assisting in construction administration. The candidate must be adaptable and able to work to prioritizing tasks with Project Architect or Manager supervision; demonstrate an imaginative, creative and innovative design solutions to technical problems; be flexible, a motivated multi-tasker, detail-oriented, and a hard-working team player. Candidates should be fluent in digital and physical three-dimensional modeling, demonstrate strong graphic communication skills, and be passionate about design and architecture. The position requires the ability to collaborate with multiple team members, coordinate the efforts of consultants, and an ability to tackle new challenges.
View full job description here.
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.