Keast & Hood

“It’s a terra-cotta precinct,” says architect Josh Aisenberg. For sheer concision, the two-word description of the rough, ruddy campus architecture of the University of Pennsylvania seems right on the money—and it should be, given the source. Aisenberg, a senior associate at Boston-based Annum Architects (Formerly Ann Beha Architects), heard the phrase, by way of a third party, from no less an authority than Amy Gutmann, Penn’s longest-serving president and a supporter of Annum’s new project at Penn when it first got underway some six years ago.? ? Now complete, Annum’s renovation and expansion of the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education (GSE) adds yet another paean to red earthenware to West Philadelphia. Connecting a pair of 1960s buildings at the southwest corner of Walnut and 37th Streets, the new volume provides additional classroom space, enhanced accessibility, and a degree of visual consistency to the school, which had formerly been spread out across multiple sites. Annum president and principal Philip Chen quotes another Penn administrator—the GSE’s own dean, Pam Grossman—when he says the objective was to create “one GSE,” forging a distinct architectural identity for a program that had long lacked it.? ? Read more here: https://lnkd.in/g_y-qNJ3 ? Words by Ian Volner? Photos ? Chuck Choi?

?? The Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub at Penn State University is a finalist in the 2024 AIA Pennsylvania COTE Awards! A thriving nexus for student and community entrepreneurship and collaboration, the Innovation Hub is Penn State’s first ground-up building in downtown State College, promoting a culture of inquiry and exploration beyond the confines of campus. The highly-insulated, metal rainscreen facade was prefabricated into large modules, reducing on-site construction time and waste and affording rapid enclosure during construction. Building systems are fully electrified, anticipating the greening of the central Pennsylvania grid, and a novel air-recirculation and cleaning system and operable windows integrated with HVAC reduce energy-use and improve indoor air quality. Winners will be announced in a live broadcast on December 3. Contact your local AIA chapter for more information on viewing parties. ?? Halkin Mason Photography

The Lehigh University Business Innovation Building, a LEED Gold Certified hub of learning and collaboration that is home to the Lehigh University College of Business, has been recognized with a 2024 American Architecture Award presented by The Chicago Athenaeum Museum for Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies. Many thanks to the partners who helped us realize such an impactful project!

Phase 2 of renovations of Quadrangle dormitories are well underway and at University of Pennsylvania. Highlighting here a key thoughtful modern intervention at Memorial Tower, creating shaft for new elevator providing accessibility to meet current day needs and expectations. Built at the turn of 20th century, strategic placement of elevator opens up access to multiple buildings that are interconnected with access to common spaces for students and staff alike. Much sequential prep work required including steel install for bracing existing masonry walls before floor slab removals, MEPFP service relocations, window shadow boxes (with shades and lighting within as can be seen in night photo courtesy of Bryan Tollen), before actual shaft construction can begin! Rise Up (another song reference!) Team! Keast & Hood VDA | Elevator/Escalator Consulting & Inspection Firm AKF Group RWDI INTECH Construction Beyer Blinder Belle CCI

We’re excited to share that the Robert N.C. Nix Federal Building is being honored with the 2024 Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Award for Construction - Rehabilitation! This prestigious award, presented by Preservation Pennsylvania, recognizes exceptional contributions to the preservation and rehabilitation of historic structures across the state. This remarkable project, led by Mills + Schnoering Architects, preserved the building's historic charm while introducing modern, open workspaces for 120 federal employees—all designed to LEED Silver sustainability standards. Becker & Frondorf Cost Estimating Partner, Mike Zaidel and Senior Cost Estimator Tim Kenny, provided cost estimates for this transformative project. This award reflects the incredible collaboration between numerous organizations, who brought this vision to life. We’re proud to be part of such a meaningful effort to preserve our shared heritage for future generations. Learn more about the project here: https://lnkd.in/eyr5Jj2Y ??: Aislinn Weidele

Last night we started a 10-week after-school program at #GirardCollege in partnership with #ACEMentorPhilly to introduce their high school students to professions in architecture, construction and engineering. The recent restoration of the magnificent Founder's Hall will be the case study for the class. Thanks to the amazing Kirsti Bracali for coordinating this and to the folks from Seiler+Drury and Keast & Hood who shared their knowledge last night.