The new Dorrance H. Hamilton Public Media Commons at WHYY will present exciting opportunities to educate communities about digital media while enlivening a major streetscape in Center City Philadelphia. The 7th Street corridor, utilitarian in form, currently comprises parking lots and the backs of buildings. Though a solid and enclosed space would well suit the studio environment, it would be counterproductive to the project's mission of outreach.

Through innovation and technology, KSS Architects designed a center that addresses the project's multifaceted goals. Outside, the building skin will comprise translucent white panels featuring programmable LED lighting capable of colorful, dynamic displays reflective of ongoing activity inside--the first installation of this kind in the U.S. Cast stone finishes will lead visitors inside to the "Portal," an open reception space and video gallery showcasing student work. The Lincoln Financial Digital Education Studio for large-scale student productions will have a window on 7th Street through which the public can view the programming inside.

The Public Media Commons will become a new destination on the existing Technology Center's "Main Street," an open public space that leads to major functions. The Commons will also feature rather than hide the many services, ducts and cables supporting the audio, visual, and production technologies.