The connective service : a research laboratory for the University City Science Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Abstract

This thesis explores the idea of the conduct of science and how people come together in order to share knowledge in the working place. The building is a framework or setting for activities that support the ideas of scientific inquiry. The seven story building on a street corner in West Philadelphia is divided into horizontal zones or realms. The ground floor is dedicated to retail trade allowing for the continuous net of city activity to pass through the building. The main entry is narrow in order to avoid interrupting this continuous city net. The second and third floors are dedicated to bankers and brokers. the industry which is both private and public. The upper floors house the private research laboratories. Elevators carry scientists to these upper levels. In order to encourage gathering and exchange among scientists. a sky lighted stairwell links the three floors. In addition. on the north side is a meeting room from where scientists might gather to exchange ideas. The view from the meeting room is to the east. towards city hall and the central business district, symbolic of their relationship to the larger world beyond their own world of scientific inquiry.