A vertical community knit together by transdisciplinary collaboration between the Wharton School, Penn Engineering, and the Weitzman School of Design, Tangen Hall is envisioned as a “toolbox for the University.” As Penn’s first dedicated space for cross-curricular student entrepreneurship and innovation, Tangen Hall’s design focuses on fluid interaction at various scales, from large-scale collaborations at the ground-floor maker lab to cross-disciplinary team workshops on the upper floors. Each floor is branded by a destination program that acts as a magnet, drawing people vertically through the building. Tangen Hall’s simple utilitarian framework and infrastructure allow for programmatic evolution and flexibility to support the inevitable change in user needs. At street level, the maker lab acts as a front door, energizing the streetscape with the maker innovative, entrepreneurial culture within. The façade features a playful and vibrant color gradient that acts as a metaphor to the dynamic nature of the building’s interior.

PROJECT TEAM
Structural Engineer
The Harman Group, Inc.

Electrical Engineer / Mechanical Engineer
Bala Consulting Engineers

General Contractor
Hunter Roberts Construction Group

Civil Engineer
Pennoni Associates, Inc.

Developer
Hankin Group

AV/IT
Phase Shift Consulting

Acoustics Consultant
Metropolitan Acoustics

Sustainability Consultant
The Stone House Group

Food Service Consultant
Corsi Associates