Spring Break
Millennium Hall built to give Drexel new look
Christopher Russell
Issue date: 4/24/09 Section: Ed-Op
Many have claimed that the era of ostentatious and superfluous architecture, created by architects who receive prominent commissions and garner large donations from those clamoring to be named after granite cornerstones (Hello, A. M. Stern), is over.
So, one would think that the twisting silver and glass slab that is Drexel's new Millennium Hall on 34th Street would be considered passé - you'd be wrong.
Designed by the architecture firm Erdy McHenry, Millennium Hall commands attention from its position on the corner of 34th & Powelton. As with any good work of art, the physical expression of the building was borne out of necessity and function and not preconceived aesthetics. As Drexel continues its construction binge, older buildings are reinterpreted to serve changing social and technological needs, and new buildings are used to project a new face of a progressive, forward-thinking school. It is easy to vouch for this new building's modernity, but it is able to stand apart from the flamboyant Frank Gehrys of the world by effectively responding to the environment, budget and program (internal usage) balances.
As a representation of Drexel's engineering qualities, the architects made this evident in the building's structure. The continual outward branding of this institution would appear to still be a high priority for administrators and the late Papadakis, not only to shed the undeserved "most unsightly campus" dishonor, but also to further differentiate itself from the neighboring educational juggernaut. In service to the budget and the program, the helical form was achievable through 10-inch rotations of the floor plates for each level. As predictability decreases construction costs, the complex outcome of this signature feature was accomplished through minute engineering adjustments. The gentle undulation also allows for the building's inhabitants to constantly be oriented toward light and mind-boggling Center City views.
Respecting the public realm - which is extremely important in order to contribute to "walkability" and proper urban design - was done successfully as well. The tower is placed on stilts to create an open plaza and rises from an orthogonal base which reinforces the street wall on 34th Street. The plaza created by lifting up a portion of uses from the ground will be yet another niche that an increased student density in that section of campus will feel comfortable populating during various weather conditions.
So, one would think that the twisting silver and glass slab that is Drexel's new Millennium Hall on 34th Street would be considered passé - you'd be wrong.
Designed by the architecture firm Erdy McHenry, Millennium Hall commands attention from its position on the corner of 34th & Powelton. As with any good work of art, the physical expression of the building was borne out of necessity and function and not preconceived aesthetics. As Drexel continues its construction binge, older buildings are reinterpreted to serve changing social and technological needs, and new buildings are used to project a new face of a progressive, forward-thinking school. It is easy to vouch for this new building's modernity, but it is able to stand apart from the flamboyant Frank Gehrys of the world by effectively responding to the environment, budget and program (internal usage) balances.
As a representation of Drexel's engineering qualities, the architects made this evident in the building's structure. The continual outward branding of this institution would appear to still be a high priority for administrators and the late Papadakis, not only to shed the undeserved "most unsightly campus" dishonor, but also to further differentiate itself from the neighboring educational juggernaut. In service to the budget and the program, the helical form was achievable through 10-inch rotations of the floor plates for each level. As predictability decreases construction costs, the complex outcome of this signature feature was accomplished through minute engineering adjustments. The gentle undulation also allows for the building's inhabitants to constantly be oriented toward light and mind-boggling Center City views.
Respecting the public realm - which is extremely important in order to contribute to "walkability" and proper urban design - was done successfully as well. The tower is placed on stilts to create an open plaza and rises from an orthogonal base which reinforces the street wall on 34th Street. The plaza created by lifting up a portion of uses from the ground will be yet another niche that an increased student density in that section of campus will feel comfortable populating during various weather conditions.
Be the first to comment on this story