Copyright © 2003 RON ROCCO All Rights Reserved
SEPTA - Suburban Station, Philadelphia
A collaboration with Philadelphia landscape architect, Margret Ruddick.
Our approach to the renovation of this site:
1) Employ vertical elements to unify the concourse and courtyard levels.
2) Soften the surfaces of the site by use of appropriate landscaping, paving and the use of water.
Specifically, an inclined, stepped, metal fountain of approx. 25' would draw attention from the concourse above to the courtyard. At courtyard level, the fountain would provide a visual and audible anchor to the site. The artwork would be used to mask the sub-station vent and reflect sunlight into the courtyard area.
Grass plantings and a bamboo garden would carry the vertical reference through the site, extending from the base of the fountain. A water channel cut into the floor at the courtyard level, would break up the paving, providing areas of solitude and reflection. The sound of water and wind through the distributed plantings, fountain and water channel would mask street noise from the concourse level and trains. Our paving elements and triangular seating arrangements would enhance traffic flow and promote social interactions: conversations, chess games and lunch meetings at the site.