Temple University was founded in 1884 as a place where working-class Philadelphians could receive a higher education. However, when Anderson Hall was constructed in 1973, the large plaza that served as the entrance to several buildings in the block, was raised above street level. This created a lack of accessibility to the campus and ultimately generated a feeling that the University was turning its back on the neighborhood and city it was founded to serve.

The primary intervention erodes the plaza perimeter to reduce the tunnel-like experience of the underpass. Two small existing courtyards, formerly separated by a looming overpass, are united into a grand court that establishes a properly scaled entry plaza to the College of Liberal Arts. A transparent sculptural volume is inserted into the void of the plaza to connect the two campus levels with a major event space and lobby that serves as a primary gathering space for the College.

An elevator, monumental stairways, and a bleacher stair connect the street level to the elevated terrace above. Ultimately, this project presents a new, centralized event venue and activities hub for every student at the University while providing unique views of Temple’s iconic Bell Tower. Anderson Hall Lobby is visible from afar, offering a renewed prominence, and added functionality for a previously neglected part of campus. This new building at the College of Liberal Arts is at the center of the University’s student life and is designed to accommodate social, professional, educational, and community functions. 

This project represents the largest renovation undertaken at Anderson and Gladfelter halls since the opening of the academic buildings in 1973.