Doesn’t the URBN Center stand as a testament to Drexel University’s commitment to media arts and design? This impressive building at 3501 Market Street is more than just a structure. It is a hub of creativity and innovation.
The URBN Center is home to Drexel’s Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design. It provides an ideal environment for students and faculty. The building’s renovation transformed the original structure. Robert Venturi designed it. Meyer, Scherer & Rockcastle, LTD. transformed it into a state-of-the-art center.
Inside the URBN Center, natural light floods the space. This is thanks to cuts made from the roof to the ceiling. Mezzanine levels break up the structure. They allow light to enter through the glass roof. Claire Rabinowitz notes that the center stairwell is visually stunning. It’s eye-catching and inviting.
A key design concept is to showcase student creativity. Glass walls make classrooms and labs visible from the outside. Passers-by can witness the creative process. Students also benefit from individual workspaces. These spaces have locking drawers for secure storage.
The URBN Center’s lobby serves as a central display area. It features rotating panels for drawings and sketches. Glass casings exhibit design and merchandising projects. A 16-foot media screen showcases videos and graphics. Allen Sabinson, dean of CoMAD, emphasizes the building’s upgrades. These upgrades address the limitations of the previous facility.
The URBN Center is equipped with brand-new equipment. This includes laser cutters and large-scale fabric plotters. The building also has ample storage and casual lounges. These features enhance the learning and working environment.
Drexel’s Historic Costume Collection finds a new home here. The collection includes over 13000 garments and accessories. It is stored in a temperature-controlled facility. Small exhibitions are continually on display. A motion capture system allows students to create special effects. The space for this system is five times larger than the original.
The URBN Center encourages collaboration. Programs are strategically placed to foster interaction. The architecture program spans multiple floors and mezzanine levels. Ada Tremonte explains that the stairs promote movement and interaction. Faculty members now have individual office spaces. This supports collaboration and resource sharing.
Faculty input was crucial in the building’s design. Committees represented each program. They ensured the building met specific needs. Tremonte expressed excitement for the URBN Center. She looked forward to collaborating with others.
An anonymous Drexel trustee from Urban Outfitters donated $25 million. This donation enabled the purchase and renovation of the building. Robert Venturi designed the original structure in 1977. Construction took only 10 months. The total cost was $47 million.
Meyer, Scherer & Rockcastle Ltd. drew inspiration from the Urban Outfitters Corporate Campus. Exposed ceilings and steel beams create a warehouse feel. This is aesthetically pleasing. The design maintains Venturi’s original intent. It has a space that can be molded on the inside. The center stairwell is a new addition. Steel beams were carefully integrated into the existing structure.
The URBN Center Annex is located behind the main building. It features a similar design with exposed beams and high ceilings. The annex includes the Leonard Pearlstein Gallery. There is also a black box theater. A 125-seat screening room boasts the best sound and projection.
The URBN Center stands as a vibrant hub. It fosters creativity, collaboration, and innovation. It is truly a thrilling design.