Industry
Education
Service
Architecture
Duration
2 Months
Date
Spring 2024
Problem
Parkside faced economic decline and demographic shifts that led to deterioration of historic homes and community fabric.
Solution
Unearthed repurposes rail materials into a community library, involving residents in creating earth blocks from local soil to preserve neighborhood history.
My Role
As architectural designer, I led research, design, modeling, and prototyping efforts, applying innovative solutions.
01 Research
Overview
The Unearthed project connects community groups with designers to transform abandoned rail infrastructure into a library that preserves local history while promoting sustainable practices.
Existing Site
The abandoned rail yard and parking lot faced issues of disuse and isolation. These challenges were addressed through sustainable approaches including soil restoration and material reuse.
Trollies
Trolley lines formed a vital component of Philadelphia's transit system.
Rail Lines
Rail infrastructure hidden under the school property.
Underutilized
Parking lot is underutilized with untapped community potential.
Disconnect
Fencing isolates and detracts from the educational environment.
1910 Parkside Rail Lines
The Unearthed project repurposes historic rail materials into a cultural space, using local soil for earth blocks while bridging Parkside's past and future.
Environmental Analysis
Rail materials repurposed into community space with locally-made earth blocks, connecting to greening projects between East Parkside and Fairmount Park.
02 Sketching
Initial Sketches
Sketches feature rail-inspired paths connecting spaces while preserving site heritage, balancing reading areas with considerations for orientation and community integration.
Cut and Fill Evolution
The project unearths historic train tracks while engaging residents in creating earth blocks, transforming the space into a community library that honors both past and future.
03 Prototyping
Rail Line Morphology
Repurposed rails and ties become structural and decorative elements, preserving railway heritage while creating the library's distinctive character.
04 Framework
Site Construction Phasing
Construction process includes site preparation, infrastructure improvements, and excavation before finishing with landscaping that integrates with the neighborhood.
Unearthed Site Plan
The site uses rail materials and sustainable design to create paths linking various spaces, with seamless indoor-outdoor flow and strong neighborhood connections.
Site Material Relationships
Earth block walls serve as bookshelves within varied terrain levels. Repurposed rails guide movement and support the roof, connecting the design to the site's history.
05 Implementation
The Unearthed Library
An organic structure emerging from the landscape that integrates salvaged rail materials and earthen elements, connecting with the neighborhood while honoring the site's industrial heritage.
Limitless Learning
A transformative space that bridges Parkside's industrial heritage with its future, creating an uplifting landmark that empowers local youth and residents.
Last Thoughts and Next Steps
Impacts & Results
Created a sustainable community library from abandoned infrastructure.
Established new connections between school and neighborhood.
Transformed underutilized space into vibrant cultural center.
Preserved and celebrated local industrial heritage.
Lessons Learned
Integration of sustainable materials requires careful planning.
Community engagement is crucial for project success.
Balance between preservation and innovation is key.
Flexible design enables multiple use cases.
Future Opportunities
Expand programming for youth education.
Develop additional community partnerships.
Create model for similar adaptive reuse projects.
Implement more sustainable technologies.
Personal Growth
Enhanced understanding of sustainable design practices.
Improved community engagement skills.
Developed expertise in adaptive reuse strategies.
Strengthened project management capabilities.