The design of 2222 Market Street envisions a Class A Headquarters building that offers a unique experience for both the public and its users. Spanning 350,000 square feet over 19 stories, the building has become a city icon. Initially a speculative design, it was later adapted for a built-to-suit project. The architects worked closely with the client and tenant to design the core, shell, lobby, and terraces.
This glazed tower integrates authentically with its low-scale urban setting, connecting with the community while offering flexible spaces and vertical neighborhoods. Its massing, offset core, and facade design reflect Philadelphia’s heritage within a modern context. The building's strategy incorporates advanced technology, achieving LEED Gold and Fitwel certifications, showcasing sustainable and resilient design approaches.
Located less than a mile from City Hall, the building features a distinctive facade combining prefabricated brick panels and a glass curtain wall. The brick panels, constructed off-site and utilizing a unique gasket receiver system, enhance performance and streamline construction. The deep offset between the glass and brick highlights the brick frame, adding visual depth and texture.
The massing of 2222 Market Street creatively engages with the urban context and zoning requirements, blending with the backdrop of former industrial buildings. It includes dynamic outdoor community spaces that enhance user experience and interaction. The building’s skyplane massing strategy not only meets regulatory requirements but also maximizes functionality and aesthetics, creating a gateway that integrates with the urban fabric.
The building's core is offset to the south to maximize northern exposure, offering flexible tenant layouts and ample natural light. This design also efficiently utilizes the narrow lot depth, enhancing functionality.
Elevating the concept of a vertical community, the ground floor of 2222 Market Street includes vibrant retail and dining options at its base, inviting both tenants and the public to engage. Two terraces on the 13th and 19th floors provide outdoor spaces for tenants, promoting well-being and connecting urban living with nature.
2222 Market Street
Category
2024 Architectural Excellence DESIGN AWARDS > Architecture
Description
FIRM
Gensler
FIRM SIZE
Midsize (10-49 employees/total staff)
FIRM LOCATION
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
ADDITIONAL ARCHITECTURE CREDITS
Architect of Record Core + Shell: Gensler
Design Architect: Lobby & Terrace: Gensler
Interior Architect & Design: HYL Architecture
Landscape Architect: Studio Bryan Hanes
LOCAL AIA CHAPTER
AIA Philadelphia
PROJECT LOCATION
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
PROJECT SIZE
Large (> 50,000 sq. ft)
PROJECT COST ($USD/sq ft)
withheld from publication
IMAGE CREDITS
Gensler, Robert Deitchler