quondam @ archinect/79/7901m.htm
to see in Philly
Stephen Lauf 2003.08.17 23:37
Kahn's project for the Philadelphia College of Art was never executed, and the Mill Creek Housing project was demolished last year. There is the quondam Ahavath Israel Synagogue, Kahn's first indepedent building (1935), a couple blocks west of North Broad Street--the facade was redone something 2000, however. Erdman Hall, the dormitories at Bryn Mawr College, were just renovated 2002. Richard's Medical Towers still at UofP and still looking good. There's lots more obscure early Kahn in the Philadelphia area, kinda like going on a treasure hunt.
By far, there is more Venturi et al architecture in and around Philadelphia than anyplace else on the planet. Ditto for the architecture of Mitchell/Giurgola.
The Venturi, Scott Brown & Assoc. Philadelphia Orchestra Hall was never executed. Vinoly did the 'replacement' Kimmel Center though.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art Duchamp Collection is indeed the largest in the world. Try finding Etant Donnes' Back Door while you're there.
Kahn proposed marriage to Esther Israeli at the Rodin Museum. Don't miss the GATES OF HELL as you go in!
Legend has it that Benjamin Franklin famously flew his kite just east of what is now Ridge Ave. and Buttonwood St. Pretty derelict place right now, but there is a electrical substation just down the street.
Visit (or revisit) Franklin Court and Museum (Venturi & Rauch 1976) and realize you'll be at the first virtual house of the 20th century. Really.
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