Design Profile: Anderson Hall

The primary intervention erodes the plaza perimeter to reduce the tunnel-like experience of the underpass. Two small existing courtyards, formerly separated by a looming overpass, are united into a grand court that establishes a properly scaled entry plaza to the College of Liberal Arts. A transparent sculptural volume is inserted into the void of the plaza to connect the two campus levels with a major event space and lobby that serves as a primary gathering space for the College. An elevator, monumental stairways and a bleacher stair connect the street level to the elevated terrace above. Ultimately, this project presents a new, centralized event venue and activities hub for every student at the University while providing unique views of Temple’s iconic Bell Tower. Anderson Hall Lobby is visible from afar, offering a renewed prominence, and added functionality for a previously neglected part of campus. This new building at the College of Liberal Arts is at the center of the University’s student life and is designed to accommodate social, professional, educational, and community functions.

Project: Anderson Hall

Location: Philadelphia PA 

Client: Temple University

Project Size: 10,000 sf

Project Team:
Erdy McHenry Architecture (Architect)

WRT (Landscape Architect)

ENV (Structural Engineer)

DEDC (MEP Engineer)

BEAM ltd. (Lighting Consultant)

Photos: Halkin Mason Photography