The Discovery Center is an urban bird sanctuary and leadership development center conceived in partnership between The Audubon Society of Pennsylvania, Outward Bound Philadelphia, and the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood. The Center offers programming aimed at connecting city residents with nature. The project site surrounds a 37-acre decommissioned reservoir.
The East Park Reservoir in the 1870's and today
The design relies on simple forms, including a nearly 500’ charred wood façade and site wall, to create a single, poignant portal from the city to this unexpected natural setting, drawing visitors in and heightening the experience of revelation.
South Elevation
The design employs a limited palette of materials. The primary exterior material is western red cedar charred by fire. This centuries-old wood preservation technique greatly extends the life of the material, embodying the paradox of natural forces that are at once destructive, restorative, and protective. The choice of building material invites another level of inquiry into both the novel ecology of the site and our inhabitation of the natural world.
The building serves as a gateway that allows visitors to access the site without requiring entry to the building. After hours, a hand forged steel pivoting security gate maintains a visual connection with the reservoir. Conceived by local artist Warren Holzman, the weathering steel gate references a long tradition of blacksmithing and decorative sanctuary gates in Philadelphia.
Entry Portal
Iron Studio
Iron Studio Pivot Gate Detail
Detail of bird strike prevention donor wall fabricated by Traction Company
Recognition:
Projects
Frances M. Maguire Art Museum - St. Joseph's University
All-School Commons – Germantown Friends School
Loggia Loft
PPR Residence Hall - Swarthmore College
Discovery Center - Outward Bound & Audubon Society
Wexler Gallery
Center For Advanced Technologies - Bucks County Community College
The Cooper
Caesar Rodney Hall - University of Delaware
Jefferson School
Greene Street Friends School
Campus Bookstore & Development Office - University of Delaware
Margaret Passmore Trickey Building
Delaware History Museum
Bigham Leatherberry Wise Place - People's Emergency Center
150 Rouse Boulevard
Class of 1986 Fitness and Wellness Center - Princeton University
The Clay Studio
Basecamp Delta
The Study at University City
Matchbox - Swarthmore College
Housing Northwest Arkansas
Arts Café Expansion & Renovation - University of Pennsylvania
Gore Capabilities Center
Dogfish Head Brews and Eats
Construction Training & Education Center
Tyler School of Art - Temple University
Library Playspace
Intercultural Engagement Center - University of Delaware
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Yards Brewery
Aqua Foro
Iovance Biotherapeutics
Gibbs Center Production Studio – Challenge Program
Pavilion & Children's Discovery Garden at Sister Cities Park
Gettysburg Montessori School
Edible Garden and Classroom - Tyler Arboretum
SEPTA Bus Shelters
WP Point Event Space & Lodge
Philadelphia Union Training Facility
The Global Learning Center
Shallcross Hall - Friends Central School
The Cove
201 Rouse Boulevard
351 Rouse Boulevard
Barnegat House
Courtyard House
Rural Loft
DIGSAU
340 North 12th Street
Suite 421
Philadelphia, PA 19107
v 215.627.0808
www.instagram.com/digsau_architecture
Architect/Designer
We are seeking a full-time architectural architect or designer with exceptional graphic and illustration skills along with drafting and modeling abilities. The roles and responsibilities of the Architect/Designer position include broad exposure to many aspects of project design and delivery, including participation in developing design concepts, creating presentation materials, working on construction documents, and assisting in construction administration. The ideal candidate should have interiors (FFE) experience and must be a multi-tasking, detail-oriented, hard-working team player.
View full job description here.
Summer Architectural Internship
We are seeking a temporary Architectural Designer with exceptional graphic and illustration skills as well as drafting abilities for our summer internship program. The roles and responsbilities of the Architectural Designer position include a budding interest into a broad exposure to many aspects of project design and delivery, including participation in developing design concepts, creating presentation materials, working on construction documents, and assisting in construction administration. The candidate must be adaptable and able to work to prioritizing tasks with Project Architect supervision; demonstrate an imaginative, creative and innovative design solutions to technical problems; be flexible, a motivated multi-tasker, detail-oriented, and a hard-working team player.
View full job descripton here.
DIGSAU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a participant in the U.S. Federal E-Verify program. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Salary is commensurate with experience and skill, including a comprehensive benefits package. DIGSAU offers medical, dental, life insurance benefits, company 401k and profit-sharing plan, paid holidays and paid time off, as well as an annual professional development stipends and certification reimbursements for continual improvement.
Applicants should send a Letter of Interest, Resume, and Portfolio in one PDF document, not to exceed 5MB, to: employment@digsau.com; No phone calls, please.