Before architectural drawings began, the Child Psychiatry Center enlisted our services for site selection and acquisition. Responding to the client’s wishes, the site and building design provided a flexibility to adapt to programmatic changes. Building security, energy efficiency, economy, provisions for future expansion, and accessibility to the physically handicapped became the other design priorities. An extensive foundation and waterproofing design was mandatory for the old factory site, at which pockets of loosely packed building debris provided an insecure footing. Vandal proof building features included a plastic outer glazing and a special coating to protect the exterior walls from graffiti. The interior spaces used warm, muted colors and soft lighting to calm the patients.

Completion: 1990
Location: Philadelphia, PA
22,000 Sq.Ft.