Philadelphia, USA
2021
@harsana.arch
Evocation explores all possible interactions between people and the urban fabric. The project is located in one of the busiest streets in Philadelphia, PA, United States. The 52nd Street corridor in West Philadelphia is often known for its vibrant history. The street displays a wide range of cultures through art and architecture. The corridor is also famously known for its yearly Juneteenth parade. The parade is one of the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Changing shopping habits and disinvestment led to a slow decline in the 1980s and 1990s, trends exacerbated by the years-long refurbishment of the 52nd street Market- Frankford Line (MFL) subway stop disrupted traffic and drove away businesses.
It is a corridor that has witnessed plentiful historical chapters and needs to be preserved to educate the coming generations of the shared emotions and cultures. Evocation aims to create a contemporary and diverse space that can be used by the residents of the area to share and connect. The proposed market/travel hub hopes to create a smooth transition between existing traditional conditions and contemporary changes using research from previous modules and by deriving inspiration from designs by Louis Kahn (synagogue) and Aldo Rossi (Milan German Opposition Monument). The design was heavily rendered through elevation by creating moments of interiority while maintaining transparency to the visitors outside.
The market is designed to provide a better experience for the neighborhood, especially since the change in the quality of the neighborhood occurred after the construction of the existing metro. This is achieved by relocating the elevated subway and replacing it with an outdoor market/elevated park which would operate as a permanent space for the local vendors, and it also provides the community with a place to connect beyond their homes. The intervention of the market would also serve the community’s need for growing fresh produce. It would also include a travel hub, a community kitchen, and a local exchange program. The local exchange program is tailored for the community and would be a place for them to share and exchange belongings, acting as a method to preserve within the community. Evocation hence aims to encapsulate, share, and create new memories.
