SOM reveals masterplan for 30th street station development in philadelphia

 

 

 

global architecture firm SOM has revealed its masterplan for philadelphia’s 30th street station precinct, a vast scheme that seeks to develop a new urban center. the plan establishes the framework for a landmark transportation hub that connects philadelphia’s two downtown districts — center city and university city. the historic railway station is a beaux arts building perched on the western bank of the schuylkill river. responding to studies that indicate a sizeable increase in transit activity, the plan includes the sweeping transformation of the existing station building as well as its surroundings.

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30th street station represents ‘a new chapter’ in the transit-oriented development in philadelphia
image © SOM

 

 

 

designed in association with parsons brinckerhoff, OLIN, and HR&A advisors, SOM’s masterplan asserts 30th street station as not only a gateway to the northeast for the 30,000 passengers who board its trains each morning, but also as a destination in its own right — providing places to shop, meet, and eat. for the surrounding precinct, an improved environment for all users ensures cohesion and creates space for new and expanded buildings for drexel university.

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aerial view from powelton village
image © OLIN

 

 

 

the scheme anchors a new district with up to 18 million square feet of development. a north concourse expands amtrak and SEPTA access and opens the station up to the north, while connections through existing back-of-house spaces increase passenger circulation and amenities. importantly, a new underground concourse, capped by a dramatic skylight, connects the subway to 30th street station. SOM’s design can also be experienced in virtual reality.

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station plaza view from east
image © SOM

SOM-philadelphia-30th-street-station-masterplan-transport-network-designboom-02
the scheme anchors a new city district with up to 18 million square feet of development
image © SOM

SOM-philadelphia-30th-street-station-masterplan-transport-network-designboom-02
station plaza view from the west
image © OLIN

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a plaza transforms the perimeter of the station into a vibrant civic space
image © SOM

SOM-philadelphia-30th-street-station-masterplan-transport-network-designboom-02
a new north concourse will expand amtrak and SEPTA access and opens the station up to the north
image © SOM

SOM-philadelphia-30th-street-station-masterplan-transport-network-designboom-02
connections through existing back-of-house spaces increase passenger circulation and amenities
image © SOM

SOM-philadelphia-30th-street-station-masterplan-transport-network-designboom-02
a new underground concourse, capped by a dramatic skylight, connects the subway and 30th street station
image © SOM

 

 

project info:

 

location: philadelphia, pennsylvania, USA
design completion: 2016
site area: 175 acres
project area: 18,000,000 sqf

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