Sacred Places / Civic Spaces
Members of Wharton-Wesley UMC , neighborhood residents , community-based nonprofits , architects , designers , real estate professionals , and public agencies engage in asset mapping during a Sacred Places / Civic Spaces community task force meeting . Photo : Chris Kendig Photography .
Infill Philadelphia : Sacred Places / Civic Spaces added the design community ’ s voice to the growing dialogue about the intersection between sacred places and community vitality by assembling working teams — each composed of a congregation , a community group , and a design firm — that envisioned a new future for each congregation ’ s property .
The project was managed by Community Design Collaborative and Partners for Sacred Places . Community Design Collaborative provides pro bono preliminary design services to nonprofit organizations in greater Philadelphia , creates engaging volunteer opportunities for design professionals , and raises awareness about the importance of design in revitalizing communities .
The project concluded in 2019 with a Capstone Exhibition at the Center for Architecture + Design , and a companion publication that shared the innovative solutions developed through the Design Challenge . This project was recognized with a 2020 Award from the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia . This program has :
• Demonstrated that underutilized space in historic sacred properties can be activated in ways that expand the civic commons , serve a larger secular purpose , and strengthen communities while also sustaining congregations themselves .
• Promoted understanding of the realities faced by faith communities stewarding historic , purpose-built sacred places .
• Reactivated prototypical historic , purpose-built religious properties that present common design challenges .
PARTICIPATING SITES
Building Blocks : The Philadelphia Masjid Community Partner | People ’ s Emergency Center Design Team | HOK ( lead ); J + M Engineering ; Tutor Perini Building Corporation ; Alisa McCann
Community Cornerstone : Wharton- Wesley United Methodist Church Community Partner | ACHIEVEability Design Team | Brawer & Hauptman Architects ( lead ); Alderson Engineering , Inc .; Orndorf & Associates , Inc ., Powers & Company , Inc .; The Sullivan Company
Corridor Connections : Zion Baptist Church Community Partner | Called to Serve Design Team | Studio 6mm ( lead ); Kate Cowing Architect LLC ; Keast & Hood ; Burns Engineering ; International Consultants , Inc .
Sacred Places / Civic Spaces was generously supported by the William Penn Foundation .