Cycle Center - Bike Hub extension of the Reading Viaduct, Philadelphia, PA
Tectonic Studio Spring 2014
The Cycle Center sits on the edge of Paine's Park, a skate park in Philadelphia, on the bank of an existing train tunnel that runs underneath Eakin’s Oval. The tunnel is a connection between the proposed Reading Viaduct Park system and the Schuylkill River Trail. The design of the Cycle Center addresses these connections in becoming an entry point for the Reading Viaduct, allowing for the existing rail-line to be transformed into a bike lane.
The design proposes a terracing of the programmatic elements connecting the skate park with the bike lane below. The cafe and bike rental are connected through a historical gallery space of the Reading Viaduct, connecting both programmatic elements through the industrial history of the site. The design includes a bike lane connecting the above lane to the tunnel lane below, allowing the cyclists to have the ability to change course if needed.
The historical aspect of the site is relevant through the materiality of the design by using industrial inspired materials such as concrete, rustic steel members, wood and zinc metal. The industrial materials of the design flow into the tunnel, becoming a collage of rustic steel members and perforated metal framing the street art that resides within.
Approach along Bike Lane & View of Bike Rental from Gallery
Site Plan
Plans
Section Perspective
Structural Assembly
