| September 23, 2008 On May 29, the CDC kicked off the three projects for this year's Infill Philadelphia initiative. KSS' challenge was to convert a 32,000 sf abandoned furniture warehouse into a permanent space for the CCGC, whose membership is rapidly growing since its founding in 2006. In developing the design, the KSS team, led by David Zaiser, AIA, Mayva Marshall-Moreno, Beth Schaffer, but included almost the entire Philadelphia office, had three primary objectives: 1) Create a readily identifiable home for the CCGC; 2) Integrate the facility with the surrounding urban fabric; 3) Provide a unique, engaging and sustainable grocery shopping experience. On the building exterior, KSS gave the Co-op prominent identity with a large mural and signage on a bustling corner on a Chester, Pa., main shopping street. A metal panel skin wraps the building storefront and becomes a rippling metal roof over outdoor areas where other Co-op activities occur. A large south window visually and symbolically connects the Co-op's sale of fresh produce to the adjacent site on which it's grown. KSS initially planned the new grocery store as a two-story space that combines retail with community gathering space, which gives the CCGC the potential to lease the third floor space. KSS wanted its design to integrate the renovated building into the Chester Community retail fabric and benefit both the community and the Co-op. "This was a great project that showed how architecture can support a mission," said Zaiser. "It provides a connection to the garden and the grocery within a community approach." Read an article about the project and mission-based architecture. Click here to listen a broadcast by WHYY News on Infill Philadelphia. |
| September 18, 2008 Miele staff judged the groups on teamwork, timing and taste. The KSS group comprised senior and intern architects and designers, and administrative staff, all of whom happily switched among preparation tasks, such as chopping or measuring, to cooking or serving. Because all groups worked well together--any arguments were with jest--Miele also threw in presentation as a criteria. With designers on every team, Miele finally threw in delegation and initiative as well. Everyone enjoyed working in Miele's test kitchen, equipped with state-of-the-art appliances. The menu included meatballs and Asian dumplings for appetizers, chicken, couscous, potatoes and enchiladas for dinner, and chocolate lava cake for dessert. As the group ate in the Cafe dining space, Miele announced Team 3, which included KSS' Sheila Nall, Andrew Tucker, Dave M., Kyle, Kim, and Victoria, as the winner. Congratulations, Team 3! Your chocolate lava cake a la mode with crystallized orange and lime zest won us all. Thank you to Maharam Fabrics and Image Office Environments for sponsoring the event, and Miele for their recipes, food, helpful staff members and demonstration kitchen. Images (courtesy of Danielle Matuch and Irene Vogelsong) |
| September 15, 2008 The proceeds benefit the CcTC, which provides mental health services and programs for needy children and families in Philadelphia communities. For more than 30 years, the center has provided support for more than 650 children and their families dealing with abuse, neglect, trauma, and other challenges in early childhood development, according to the CcTC's website. KSS' Adrienne McKinney has served on the CcTC's executive board for the past five years. For pictures of the event, visit EventUpdates.com. |
| September 12, 2008 When completed, the courtroom will provide tiered seating for 100 students with space for 25 more upfront at the bench, petitioner and respondent tables, and jury box. It will be an effective moot courtroom and engaging classroom that can accommodate mock trials, hearings, speakers and presentations, and class lectures. The project is expected to complete in August 2009. |
| September 5, 2008 KSS teamed with Viridian Energy and Environmental LLC (formerly Steven Winter Associates), out of Norwalk, Conn., to design the 4-story, 129,000 sf center using the latest sustainable design principles. A roof-mounted 20 kW photovoltaic system uses solar energy to provide about 28,000 kWh per year--enough to power the university's radio station. The building also has a white roof to reduce heat-island effects in Kean's urban campus setting. During construction, the project team diverted an impressive 87 percent of construction waste from landfills. The team even used the site's existing building, which was demolished and crushed, as the drainage mat and fill material for the Center. More than half of the new building materials were manufactured regionally, and more than half of the wood-based materials used in the project were certified by the Forest Stewardship Council as harvested from responsibly-managed forests. |
