Centennial District Vision Plan

“Philly Forever”, creates a lush, natural realm, inviting residents and visitors to explore a constellation of cultural assets.

Marvel was selected as one of three firms by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation to envision a framework to improve the 540-acre park. Our proposal outlines three key moves: First, create a welcoming gateway with the district’s identity; Second, activate the park edge to connect to the neighborhood; and lastly, fill in the vast park interior with new cultural, recreational, and ecological spaces over time towards an inclusive and immersive park for all.

“Philly Forever”, creates a lush, natural realm, inviting residents and visitors to explore a constellation of cultural assets.

Marvel was selected as one of three firms by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation to envision a framework to improve the 540-acre park. Our proposal outlines three key moves: First, create a welcoming gateway with the district’s identity; Second, activate the park edge to connect to the neighborhood; and lastly, fill in the vast park interior with new cultural, recreational, and ecological spaces over time towards an inclusive and immersive park for all.

FAIRGROUNDS FOR ALL - A welcoming gateway to the district. © Marvel
A welcoming gateway with clear visual identity and wayfinding will create a memorable arrival experience at the district. The entrance at the Girard Ave trolley station celebrates one of the anchor institutions – Philadelphia Zoo – with vibrant animal patterns and structures.
© Marvel

In collaboration with local designers and branding experts at Pixel Parlor, Marvel presented a branding package for both the district’s visual identity and the 250th anniversary of the nation.

Fairgrounds for all- an activated park edge. © Marvel
An activated park edge provides a safe and inviting interface that belongs to the neighborhood. These accessible outdoor spaces meet residents daily needs for dog-walking, jogging, playing, picnicking, family gathering and community events.
The park is vast... Let's activate it. A welcoming edge that is part of the neighborhood. © Marvel
The park has great destinations... Let's connect them! Ideas for a destination park with easy transit access. © Marvel
Activating the hostile park edge as a neighborhood park with accessible recreational spaces will encourage day-to-day uses.
As a destination park, the district requires a robust mobility network that promotes walking, biking and public transit, so the park can be returned to pedestrians from vehicles.
As a destination park, the district requires a robust mobility network that promotes walking, biking and public transit, so the park can be returned to pedestrians from vehicles.

The Centennial District vision has to be one for the centuries – growing climate resilient trees to gradually replace the aging canopy, and fostering community stewardship for the next generation of the Park and park users.

The park is very green... Let's grow it! Continue to develop a robust, community supported understory. © Marvel
Working with the anchor institutions, Marvel’s plan, “Philly Forever”, creates a lush, natural realm, inviting residents and visitors to explore a constellation of cultural assets that make it both a destination and an integral part of everyday life for the surrounding neighborhoods.

“Philly Forever”, creates a lush, natural realm, inviting residents and visitors to explore a constellation of cultural assets.

Marvel was selected as one of three firms by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation to envision a framework to improve the 540-acre park. Our proposal outlines three key moves: First, create a welcoming gateway with the district’s identity; Second, activate the park edge to connect to the neighborhood; and lastly, fill in the vast park interior with new cultural, recreational, and ecological spaces over time towards an inclusive and immersive park for all.

P2023033 Centennial District Vision Plan Marvel N2 medium
A welcoming gateway with clear visual identity and wayfinding will create a memorable arrival experience at the district. The entrance at the Girard Ave trolley station celebrates one of the anchor institutions – Philadelphia Zoo – with vibrant animal patterns and structures.
P2023033 Centennial District Vision Plan N27 medium

In collaboration with local designers and branding experts at Pixel Parlor, Marvel presented a branding package for both the district’s visual identity and the 250th anniversary of the nation.

P2023033 Centennial District Vision Plan Marvel N3 medium

An activated park edge provides a safe and inviting interface that belongs to the neighborhood. These accessible outdoor spaces meet residents daily needs for dog-walking, jogging, playing, picnicking, family gathering and community events.

P2023033 Centennial District Vision Plan Marvel N6 medium
Activating the hostile park edge as a neighborhood park with accessible recreational spaces will encourage day-to-day uses.
P2023033 Centennial District Vision Plan Marvel N8 medium
As a destination park, the district requires a robust mobility network that promotes walking, biking and public transit, so the park can be returned to pedestrians from vehicles.
P2023033 Centennial District Vision Plan Marvel N4 medium
As a destination park, the district requires a robust mobility network that promotes walking, biking and public transit, so the park can be returned to pedestrians from vehicles.
P2023033 Centennial District Vision Plan Marvel N10 medium

The Centennial District vision has to be one for the centuries – growing climate resilient trees to gradually replace the aging canopy, and fostering community stewardship for the next generation of the Park and park users.

P2023033 Centennial District Vision Plan Marvel N11 N12 N13 medium
Working with the anchor institutions, Marvel’s plan, “Philly Forever”, creates a lush, natural realm, inviting residents and visitors to explore a constellation of cultural assets that make it both a destination and an integral part of everyday life for the surrounding neighborhoods.

Centennial District Vision Plan

“Philly Forever”, creates a lush, natural realm, inviting residents and visitors to explore a constellation of cultural assets.

Marvel was selected as one of three firms by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation to envision a framework to improve the 540-acre park. Our proposal outlines three key moves: First, create a welcoming gateway with the district’s identity; Second, activate the park edge to connect to the neighborhood; and lastly, fill in the vast park interior with new cultural, recreational, and ecological spaces over time towards an inclusive and immersive park for all.

“Philly Forever”, creates a lush, natural realm, inviting residents and visitors to explore a constellation of cultural assets.

Marvel was selected as one of three firms by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation to envision a framework to improve the 540-acre park. Our proposal outlines three key moves: First, create a welcoming gateway with the district’s identity; Second, activate the park edge to connect to the neighborhood; and lastly, fill in the vast park interior with new cultural, recreational, and ecological spaces over time towards an inclusive and immersive park for all.

FAIRGROUNDS FOR ALL - A welcoming gateway to the district. © Marvel
A welcoming gateway with clear visual identity and wayfinding will create a memorable arrival experience at the district. The entrance at the Girard Ave trolley station celebrates one of the anchor institutions – Philadelphia Zoo – with vibrant animal patterns and structures.
© Marvel

In collaboration with local designers and branding experts at Pixel Parlor, Marvel presented a branding package for both the district’s visual identity and the 250th anniversary of the nation.

Fairgrounds for all- an activated park edge. © Marvel
An activated park edge provides a safe and inviting interface that belongs to the neighborhood. These accessible outdoor spaces meet residents daily needs for dog-walking, jogging, playing, picnicking, family gathering and community events.
The park is vast... Let's activate it. A welcoming edge that is part of the neighborhood. © Marvel
The park has great destinations... Let's connect them! Ideas for a destination park with easy transit access. © Marvel
Activating the hostile park edge as a neighborhood park with accessible recreational spaces will encourage day-to-day uses.
As a destination park, the district requires a robust mobility network that promotes walking, biking and public transit, so the park can be returned to pedestrians from vehicles.
As a destination park, the district requires a robust mobility network that promotes walking, biking and public transit, so the park can be returned to pedestrians from vehicles.

The Centennial District vision has to be one for the centuries – growing climate resilient trees to gradually replace the aging canopy, and fostering community stewardship for the next generation of the Park and park users.

The park is very green... Let's grow it! Continue to develop a robust, community supported understory. © Marvel
Working with the anchor institutions, Marvel’s plan, “Philly Forever”, creates a lush, natural realm, inviting residents and visitors to explore a constellation of cultural assets that make it both a destination and an integral part of everyday life for the surrounding neighborhoods.

“Philly Forever”, creates a lush, natural realm, inviting residents and visitors to explore a constellation of cultural assets.

Marvel was selected as one of three firms by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation to envision a framework to improve the 540-acre park. Our proposal outlines three key moves: First, create a welcoming gateway with the district’s identity; Second, activate the park edge to connect to the neighborhood; and lastly, fill in the vast park interior with new cultural, recreational, and ecological spaces over time towards an inclusive and immersive park for all.

P2023033 Centennial District Vision Plan Marvel N2 medium
A welcoming gateway with clear visual identity and wayfinding will create a memorable arrival experience at the district. The entrance at the Girard Ave trolley station celebrates one of the anchor institutions – Philadelphia Zoo – with vibrant animal patterns and structures.
P2023033 Centennial District Vision Plan N27 medium

In collaboration with local designers and branding experts at Pixel Parlor, Marvel presented a branding package for both the district’s visual identity and the 250th anniversary of the nation.

P2023033 Centennial District Vision Plan Marvel N3 medium

An activated park edge provides a safe and inviting interface that belongs to the neighborhood. These accessible outdoor spaces meet residents daily needs for dog-walking, jogging, playing, picnicking, family gathering and community events.

P2023033 Centennial District Vision Plan Marvel N6 medium
Activating the hostile park edge as a neighborhood park with accessible recreational spaces will encourage day-to-day uses.
P2023033 Centennial District Vision Plan Marvel N8 medium
As a destination park, the district requires a robust mobility network that promotes walking, biking and public transit, so the park can be returned to pedestrians from vehicles.
P2023033 Centennial District Vision Plan Marvel N4 medium
As a destination park, the district requires a robust mobility network that promotes walking, biking and public transit, so the park can be returned to pedestrians from vehicles.
P2023033 Centennial District Vision Plan Marvel N10 medium

The Centennial District vision has to be one for the centuries – growing climate resilient trees to gradually replace the aging canopy, and fostering community stewardship for the next generation of the Park and park users.

P2023033 Centennial District Vision Plan Marvel N11 N12 N13 medium
Working with the anchor institutions, Marvel’s plan, “Philly Forever”, creates a lush, natural realm, inviting residents and visitors to explore a constellation of cultural assets that make it both a destination and an integral part of everyday life for the surrounding neighborhoods.

Centennial District Vision Plan

“Philly Forever”, creates a lush, natural realm, inviting residents and visitors to explore a constellation of cultural assets.

Marvel was selected as one of three firms by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation to envision a framework to improve the 540-acre park. Our proposal outlines three key moves: First, create a welcoming gateway with the district’s identity; Second, activate the park edge to connect to the neighborhood; and lastly, fill in the vast park interior with new cultural, recreational, and ecological spaces over time towards an inclusive and immersive park for all.

“Philly Forever”, creates a lush, natural realm, inviting residents and visitors to explore a constellation of cultural assets.

Marvel was selected as one of three firms by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation to envision a framework to improve the 540-acre park. Our proposal outlines three key moves: First, create a welcoming gateway with the district’s identity; Second, activate the park edge to connect to the neighborhood; and lastly, fill in the vast park interior with new cultural, recreational, and ecological spaces over time towards an inclusive and immersive park for all.

FAIRGROUNDS FOR ALL - A welcoming gateway to the district. © Marvel
A welcoming gateway with clear visual identity and wayfinding will create a memorable arrival experience at the district. The entrance at the Girard Ave trolley station celebrates one of the anchor institutions – Philadelphia Zoo – with vibrant animal patterns and structures.
© Marvel

In collaboration with local designers and branding experts at Pixel Parlor, Marvel presented a branding package for both the district’s visual identity and the 250th anniversary of the nation.

Fairgrounds for all- an activated park edge. © Marvel
An activated park edge provides a safe and inviting interface that belongs to the neighborhood. These accessible outdoor spaces meet residents daily needs for dog-walking, jogging, playing, picnicking, family gathering and community events.
The park is vast... Let's activate it. A welcoming edge that is part of the neighborhood. © Marvel
The park has great destinations... Let's connect them! Ideas for a destination park with easy transit access. © Marvel
Activating the hostile park edge as a neighborhood park with accessible recreational spaces will encourage day-to-day uses.
As a destination park, the district requires a robust mobility network that promotes walking, biking and public transit, so the park can be returned to pedestrians from vehicles.
As a destination park, the district requires a robust mobility network that promotes walking, biking and public transit, so the park can be returned to pedestrians from vehicles.

The Centennial District vision has to be one for the centuries – growing climate resilient trees to gradually replace the aging canopy, and fostering community stewardship for the next generation of the Park and park users.

The park is very green... Let's grow it! Continue to develop a robust, community supported understory. © Marvel
Working with the anchor institutions, Marvel’s plan, “Philly Forever”, creates a lush, natural realm, inviting residents and visitors to explore a constellation of cultural assets that make it both a destination and an integral part of everyday life for the surrounding neighborhoods.

“Philly Forever”, creates a lush, natural realm, inviting residents and visitors to explore a constellation of cultural assets.

Marvel was selected as one of three firms by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation to envision a framework to improve the 540-acre park. Our proposal outlines three key moves: First, create a welcoming gateway with the district’s identity; Second, activate the park edge to connect to the neighborhood; and lastly, fill in the vast park interior with new cultural, recreational, and ecological spaces over time towards an inclusive and immersive park for all.

P2023033 Centennial District Vision Plan Marvel N2 medium
A welcoming gateway with clear visual identity and wayfinding will create a memorable arrival experience at the district. The entrance at the Girard Ave trolley station celebrates one of the anchor institutions – Philadelphia Zoo – with vibrant animal patterns and structures.
P2023033 Centennial District Vision Plan N27 medium

In collaboration with local designers and branding experts at Pixel Parlor, Marvel presented a branding package for both the district’s visual identity and the 250th anniversary of the nation.

P2023033 Centennial District Vision Plan Marvel N3 medium

An activated park edge provides a safe and inviting interface that belongs to the neighborhood. These accessible outdoor spaces meet residents daily needs for dog-walking, jogging, playing, picnicking, family gathering and community events.

P2023033 Centennial District Vision Plan Marvel N6 medium
Activating the hostile park edge as a neighborhood park with accessible recreational spaces will encourage day-to-day uses.
P2023033 Centennial District Vision Plan Marvel N8 medium
As a destination park, the district requires a robust mobility network that promotes walking, biking and public transit, so the park can be returned to pedestrians from vehicles.
P2023033 Centennial District Vision Plan Marvel N4 medium
As a destination park, the district requires a robust mobility network that promotes walking, biking and public transit, so the park can be returned to pedestrians from vehicles.
P2023033 Centennial District Vision Plan Marvel N10 medium

The Centennial District vision has to be one for the centuries – growing climate resilient trees to gradually replace the aging canopy, and fostering community stewardship for the next generation of the Park and park users.

P2023033 Centennial District Vision Plan Marvel N11 N12 N13 medium
Working with the anchor institutions, Marvel’s plan, “Philly Forever”, creates a lush, natural realm, inviting residents and visitors to explore a constellation of cultural assets that make it both a destination and an integral part of everyday life for the surrounding neighborhoods.

Location

Philadelphia, PA

Client

Philadelphia Parks and Recreation

Typology

Size

540 acres

Design Team

Tyler Silvestro, Yadiel Riversa-Diaz, Chieh Huang, Juan Guzman Palacios, Jaime Palacios, Yutong Wu, Tonghuan Wu

Consultants

Marvel: Landscape, Urban Design, Master Planning, Community Engagement