Photo courtesy University City District.
Custom-made swings, a new feature that was announced in the spring as part of a major enhancement of The Porch, a public space near 30th Street Station, are finally here. Designed by San Francisco-based Gehl Studio, the new swings are a result of the University City District’s mission to introduce innovative social seating in the area. You may have seen their Looped-In seating structures or custom public transit stop seats in your neighborhood.
The 14 slatted, wooden swings, which add an element of play to the space, were manufactured locally, by Bill Curran Design (BCD), based in Philadelphia’s East Falls. They come in three versions: the Porch Swing, which is meant to mimic swinging on a front porch; the Lounger, a gentle swing that simulates floating on air; and the Park Swing, an individual swing placed on the edges of the Porch.
“Our research shows time and again that people like a variety of seating, shade, and comfort, so we added more to the Porch with these swings,” said Nate Hommel, UCD’s Director of Planning and Economic Development.
Just a reminder that The Porch offers many opportunities to relax during lunchtime or after work. Check out the flier below to see what’s happening this month.
Click to enlarge.
September 3rd, 2015 at 7:06 pm
Interesting, nice.
UCD had to go to SF to get these designed? But then I have little good to say about Mother Penn’s step child, UCD.
September 3rd, 2015 at 11:20 pm
Wow, Gehl Studio have taken structural engineering to new heights. Not. The photo looks like a miniature container dock.
September 3rd, 2015 at 11:25 pm
The products sound expensive. Where is the money for this coming from? Kids are being shot dead in this same town. Can’t the money be spent on preventing crime? I know these are two separate things but it makes me sick to read about the tragedies and find this kind of expensive nonsense.
September 4th, 2015 at 6:31 pm
This is what I come to WPL for: hand-wringing over making things nicer. “Penn!” “Looks expensive!” “Not designed in Philly?!” “The children!”
Serious question: if you hate everything about what West Philly has become, which, judging by the comments that always show up after a post like this, some people do, why don’t you move somewhere else. Detroit would be perfect for the many disgruntled WPL readers.