Community Design Collaborative - Design Grant
Philadelphia, PA | 2017 | Conceptual
Consultant Team:
A K Architecture | Architects
Bruce E. Brooks & Associates | Engineers
Located in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia, Beacon is a neighborhood faith community that offers both Sunday worship and a full slate of community programming. It’s 1872 building and property were underutilized making it difficult for the church to produce adequate operating income for maintenance and renovations. The Community Design Collaborative conducted an existing conditions assessment, providing models for “community hubs,” and illustrated several expansion options including zoning and building code implications. Through space-sharing, Beacon was able to fill gaps in community services now maintaining three after-school programs, an open art studio, and weekly worship.
Photo credit: Rebecca Blake