philly, by design

kinda makes "first unitarian" sound a bit boring, doesn't it?

however eyecatching, the name's deceiving: what was once hallowed ground has long been de-sanctified, so it doesn't even get the title "church" any longer. instead, the space has played host to a number of secular businesses in the past and has been vacant for almost a year now. however, the site at 22nd and chesntut streets recently acquired some new tenants.... and through the generosity of a good friend (thanks chris!), i was able to attend their much-anticipated welcoming reception last night.

but before i offer up the requisite photos, let me prelude with this:

while the outside remained true to the original, walking by i could only imagine what was left of the guts of the space. developers of corporate culture, as sensitive to architectural history as they can be... yeah right.... very easily have covered, removed, and even destroyed the works of long-forgotten artisans and craftsman time and time again. at the risk of sounding melodramatic, i was sure the space had been ruined forever...

all i can say is, i'm glad i was wrong:



mark b thompson architects- also behind the renovations of the waterworks and reading terminal

philadelphia area buildings- pictures and history of the site, membership required

corporate facilities inc- new tenants who throw a damned good party ;)

from may 3-july 30, candida hofer's "architecture of absence" will be on display at the institute of contemporary art at the university of pennsylvania. her advert/postcard reads in part:

[she] photographs grand interior spaces overtaken by an exquisite sense of stillness... absence is signaled everywhere by empty chairs, podiums, and arenas around the world that call out to be occupied.

the only way i can describe her work is as if i'm on the precipice of seizing... it's absolutely *sick* (slang, a good thing) the way she's able to capture this odd, biological nature of a space without a human population. it's a great marriage of art, architecture, and interior design, in my opinion. i can't wait to see her work in person, and wish me luck sneaking into the opening night... ;)

more eye candy:
former exhibition pics with bio
upcoming show at the institute of contemporary art

(pictures courtesy ica and r. bransten)

on my daily commute...




society created to reduce urban blight- local philly group! contains everything you need to know about billboards and other pollution in the city. pics, links, cases, press and more... good stuff.

scenic america site- the good guys

outdoor advertising association of america- the bad guys

"culture jamming"- spinoff topic, using billboards to combat advertising

(employee lounge)

(principals' office, yes there are two people here!)

(individual office complete with tiki theme)

(bahdeebahdu light sculpture in living/conference room)

(rt's awards displayed)

pretty damn cool, huh? kinda makes you even less thrilled (if that's possible) to drag yourself to the office tomorrow... sorry.

design-wise, i'm fond of the heavy use of art and industrial designs in the space. i saw matte-black bikes on walls, totem-like objects d'art in halls, as well as a whole wall of vintage radioes on display. further, halogen lights (like the kind you have at home) are interspersed throughout. and the curved-back sofa & coffeetable/conference area??! my my my...

a relatively recent trend in office design is the push for residential materiality and ambiance. rather than create an environment of laziness and inefficiency, the thinking behind this is simple: make the space comfortable and people will stay there longer. longer time in the office=more work achieved. it does a helluva lot for employee satisfaction and reduced turnover as well, i'm sure.

either way, i called a graphic designer friend immediately after my tour and forced him to submit his resume... live vicariously much?

agoos-lovera- local architects with style

bahdeebahdu- hip lighting design

in between design events this week, i managed to stop in the bo concept store that opened just last month. one of several new design stores in philly, bo stands out with its mid-to-upper level modern selections. while the store itself is worth a visit for retail design aficionados (remember the parade of shoes there last year?), if nothing else you have to stop by the website. besides having a great layout and all the requisite functions, listings, and links there's also a program available to let you design and layout your own space three-dimensionally... pretty damn cool. ;)

bo concept philadelphia
1719 chestnut street
(ask for peter!)

design philadelphia homepage

i know i'll regret sharing this shopping secret...

one part thrift store, one part curio cabinet, the circa gallery is set apart from others in both its sheer volume and material focus. greeted by collectors & dumspter divers alike each and every day, the owner hand-selects the pieces he wants to purchase for his store. what impressed me most here is the theme he's created with his taste, which lies somewhere between pack rat and industrial designer... small, detailed, balanced, and curious items line the floor, walls, surfaces, and ceilings in this cramped little store. amongst the wares included are: pots, toys, figurines, souvenirs, cast-offs, mechanical items, picture frame, boxes of all sizes, old cameras, perfume bottles, boas, desk accessories, and much much more.

i picked up the fancy mirror below for just $30. it's detail & shape offset the modern lines of my apartment while giving me a place for my mail, keys, and coat at the same time. good stuff.

circa gallery's located on sansom street between 20th & 21st... open monday thru saturday 11-6. happy hunting!