Pennovation Center
The University of Pennsylvania
A Vibrant Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Engine for Innovation
Pennovation Center
The University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
65,000 SF Addition and Renovation
LEED Gold Recognition
the opportunity
As Executive Architect, KSS facilitated a thoughtful process of creativity, careful management, and thorough oversight of the entire design team. The result is the cutting-edge home for the next generation of global innovation—a dynamic environment where inventiveness is translated into viable ventures.
our approach
Located on a 23-acre former DuPont research site across the Schuylkill River from Penn’s campus core, Pennovation is an iconic landmark for the University. Its redesign takes advantage of the building’s strong industrial bones by keeping infrastructure exposed and the floors, columns, and façade as raw as possible. While much of the robust existing façade is maintained, selective intervention on the north façade marries history with progress. This sculptural intervention serves as an illuminated beacon for Pennovation, expressing the entrepreneurial ecosystem within and projecting it forward to the established heart of campus.
Our Process
Program
Business Incubator, Offices, Wet and dry labs, Co-working desk spaces, Studio spaces, Meeting rooms, Central presentation “bleacher,” Social spaces
Awards
ULI Philadelphia Willard G. “Bill” Rouse III Award for Excellence, 2017
Community Impact Award, CREW Philadelphia, 2016
Best Adaptive Reuse Project, Curbed Philadelphia, 2016
Preservation Alliance Grand Jury Award, 2017
AIA Philadelphia Design Merit Award, 2017
Featured Articles
Pennovation Center / HWKN + KSS architects
Philly Mag, Pennovation Wins Honors for Preservation
Penn to Celebrate Ribbon Cutting for New Innovation Hub, Pennovation Center
Flagship for Penn’s Other Campus
Penn’s Pennovation Center Raises the Innovation Bar
The right angle: Philadelphia’s Pennovation Center reaches Completion
Penn celebrates opening of new innovation hub
With Pennovation, Forgotten Bottom looks to its future
25 Masterpieces That Prove 2016 Was an Incredible Year for Architecture
