The project consists of adaptively reusing a recently decommissioned George Child Elementary School located in the Point Breeze neighborhood in South Philadelphia. The school has an original historical structure, and a 1930’s addition that could be altered. I chose to open the interior and use it as a social condition for people who want to use the cafe and retail areas on the first floor. The angle of the courtyard terminates at the health center which I designed to be the “heart” of the building. The health center is located in the historical structure. The two roof planes that are adjacent to the central courtyard are pushed or pulled to allow visitors to have a larger view of the building when be observed from the high traffic intersection. Basketball courts are on the roof and the urban park area to respect the existing frequently used basketball area that was formerly the school playground. This play of form peels back the layers of time exposing the steel structure of the 1930’s addition.
