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 East Park Reservoir in the 1870's and today
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.
South Elevation
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
Recognition:
Projects
Frances M. Maguire Art Museum - St. Joseph's University
Center For Advanced Technologies - Bucks County Community College
PPR Residence Hall - Swarthmore College
Discovery Center - Outward Bound & Audubon Society
Wexler Gallery
Bigham Leatherberry Wise Place - People's Emergency Center
The Cooper
Caesar Rodney Hall - University of Delaware
Jefferson School
Greene Street Friends School
Campus Bookstore & Development Office - University of Delaware
Margaret Passmore Trickey Building
Delaware History Museum
150 Rouse Boulevard
Shallcross Hall - Friends Central School
The Clay Studio
Class of 1986 Fitness and Wellness Center - Princeton University
The Study at University City
Basecamp Delta
Housing Northwest Arkansas
Arts Café Expansion & Renovation - University of Pennsylvania
Gore Capabilities Center
Dogfish Head Brews and Eats
Construction Training & Education Center
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
Gettysburg Montessori School
Edible Garden and Classroom - Tyler Arboretum
SEPTA Bus Shelters
WP Point Event Space & Lodge
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
www.instagram.com/digsau_architecture
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.