Project Description
The Hamilton Public Media Commons at WHYY presents exciting opportunities to educate communities about digital media while enlivening a major streetscape in Center City Philadelphia. The 7th Street corridor, utilitarian in form, previously comprised parking lots and the backs of buildings. A solid and enclosed space, though fitting for the studio program, would have been counterproductive to the project’s mission of outreach. Through innovation and technology, KSS Architects designed a learning lab that addresses the project’s multifaceted goals. Outside, the building skin is composed of translucent white panels featuring programmable LED lighting that create colorful, dynamic displays reflective of ongoing activity inside—the first installation of this kind in the U.S. Cast stone finishes lead visitors inside to the “Portal,” an open reception space and video gallery showcasing student work. A window on 7th Street allows the public to view the programming inside The Lincoln Financial Digital Education Studio for large-scale student productions. The Public Media Commons has become a popular destination on the existing Technology Center’s “Main Street,” an open public space that leads to major functions.