Market Street has been one of Philadelphia’s most important thoroughfares since William Penn’s original plan for the city in the 17th century. Today, 3151 Market occupies a pivotal position at the edge of Schuylkill Yards, where the layered urban neighborhood meets the campuses of Drexel and UPenn to form a new nexus of knowledge and innovation. Designed by Gensler as a gateway between University City and Schuylkill Yards, the life sciences tower sits at the convergence of two diagonal pedestrian pathways connecting these adjacent universities.
At street level, SWA’s landscape design establishes public nodes for social engagement, frames gateway moments and vistas, and prioritizes pedestrian comfort. Because Market Street wraps the entire project, every edge was treated with equal care, from the primary frontages to the garage entry and temporary alley.
Special attention was given to materials and finishes to complement Gensler’s architecture while meeting public streetscape standards. Custom planters navigate the site’s grade changes, carefully coordinated to slope with the street, remain level at seating areas, drain on structure, and integrate cleanly with the building facade. The result is a ground-level experience that reflects both the ambition of Schuylkill Yards and the enduring civic character of one of Philadelphia’s most storied streets.
Pacific Design Center
Once surrounded by barren plazas and impenetrable landscapes, the Pacific Design Center’s environment and image have been dramatically transformed by a complete redesign that includes parks, plazas, water features, cafes, lighting, and graphics. A two-acre open space area along San Vicente Boulevard has been transformed into a public park and gathering space,...
Ballpark Village 200
SWA/Balsley has been contracted for full district-wide landscape services for this exciting new urban redevelopment, located directly across the street from Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team.
This downtown revitalization effort includes creating an iconic, unified district identity, strengthening pedestrian connection to the d...
Samsung Headquarters
The new headquarters for Samsung SSI, in San Jose, is a bold vision for a campus and a workplace that highlights interaction. The buildings encourage communication and interaction, leading to a synergistic working environment designed to further transform Samsung into a regional leader in Silicon Valley. To harmonize with the architectural expression, we creat...
Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina
The design team’s challenge was to re-envision the existing hotel as a premier luxury destination that employs aspects of local culture and heritage to create a unique sense of place. An existing pool and water features were renovated, two new pools added, and restaurants enhanced. The resulting Four Seasons Hotel redevelopment and new residences by partner To...