Drexel University’s campus is experiencing a great amount of development as the university continues to invest in facilities that enhance the student’s experience while on campus. The area surrounding the Korman Center is home to the Papadakis Building and in close proximity to the proposed Schuylkill Yards development. The existing Korman Center building was a two story reinforced concrete structure with a basement and a mechanical penthouse on the roof. To better fit in with the surrounding structures and provide more amenity space for students, Keast & Hood provided structural design for the addition of a narrow façade to expand the building’s south east side.

The project was structurally complicated due to the existence of the utilities that are located close to the building. In addition, close coordination of the curtain wall and structural interface was required.

Drexel University’s campus is experiencing a great amount of development as the university continues to invest in facilities that enhance the student’s experience while on campus. The area surrounding the Korman Center is home to the Papadakis Building and in close proximity to the proposed Schuylkill Yards development. The existing Korman Center building was a two story reinforced concrete structure with a basement and a mechanical penthouse on the roof. To better fit in with the surrounding structures and provide more amenity space for students, Keast & Hood provided structural design for the addition of a narrow façade to expand the building’s south east side.

The project was structurally complicated due to the existence of the utilities that are located close to the building. In addition, close coordination of the curtain wall and structural interface was required.

CLIENT: Gluckman Tang Architects
LOCATION: Philadelphia, PA

TYPE: Academic, SERVICES: Addition, MATERIALS: SUSTAINABILITY: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Completed project photography © Drexel University, Construction photographs © Gluckman Tang Architects