2017 | Transforming The Tunnel: The Rail Park
2017 | Transforming The Tunnel: The Rail Park
Download the 2017 Competition Packet
Competition Partner:
Design Competition Jury:
- Michael Garden, Vice President | The Rail Park
- Alan Greenberger, former Deputy Mayor for Economic Development + Commerce | City of Philadelphia
- Gail Harrity, President and Chief Operating Officer | Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Natalie Nixon, PhD, Director of the Strategic Design MBA | Philadelphia University
- Eleanor Sharpe, AICP, Deputy Executive Director | Philadelphia 2035
Dual Scape
- Vincent TANG, University of Manitoba
Pennsylvania Avenue is catered towards the automobile rather than the people. The tunnel below is a dark corridor with poor visibility and a lack of access points. In order to realize the potential of these spaces, it became evident to look at both Pennsylvania Avenue and the City Branch Tunnel together as a cohesive element. It is a double ended problem that requires a double ended solution.
Rail Park Roots
- Alice STURM, Cornell University
- Federico LIA, Wageningen University
- Kelly FARRELL, Cornell University
- Thackston CRANDALL, Cornell University
- Genki TAKAHASHI, Cornell University
This unique space within The Rail Park capitalizes on the unusual opportunities inherent in being underground, including urban exploration, art, shelter from the elements, play, and the possibility of experiencing what is usually hidden beneath our feet. Situating our design firmly within the context of the neighborhood, its population, and its institutions, Rail Park Roots bridges aboveground and belowground in ways that are both scientific and playful, pragmatic and fanciful.
- Eliza FREDETTE, Drexel University | [email protected]
- Michael KOERNER, Drexel University | [email protected]
- Jason TRUTNER, Philadelphia University
- Stephanie DUDAK, Philadelphia University
The tunnel offers a unique exposition experience, allowing art to be decontextualized and experienced outside. Local cultural institutions including The Barnes Foundation, The Rodin Museum, and The Philadelphia Museum of Art, are encouraged to host community responsive programming via web app participation.
[The jury felt this project would make a fantastic museum exhibition for an unter-told story of Philadelphia's history]
- Abhinav BHARGAVA, UMass Amherst
- Chris COUNIHAN, UMass Amherst
- Ambica CHADHA, UMass Amherst
- Shuo LI, UMass Amherst
- Yuan-Fen LO, UMass Amherst
- Diance TIAN, UMass Amherst
Philadelphia was a vital stop along the underground railroad during the 1800’s. There is a lasting legacy of former slaves that directly influences modern African American culture. Our proposal embraces and celebrates this legacy through a museum that documents this important migratory experience
