ULI Philadelphia’s 2021 Awards for Excellence finalists represent superior development projects in the greater Philadelphia region that embody the ULI mission of shaping the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities worldwide.

Luis Bernardo, Principal, Design Collective, lead architect for The Learning Commons, University of the Sciences, developed by University of the Sciences, joins us for “Five Minutes with a Finalist”. Here’s what he had to say:

Can you share your favorite story behind this project?

My favorite story is about how this project with the help of the local community helped to transform an abandoned school to a welcoming bustling campus gateway. Woodland Avenue is the major artery along the University of the Sciences campus. However much of it has been a struggling retail corridor with many gaps in the urban fabric and pedestrian uses. The community understood it was time for this school, shut down several years ago, to make way for a new high density mixed-use “shot in the arm” to the spot where the town meets gown. However, the community did treasure several wonderful colorful murals that had been painted over the years over parts of the building. Working with several members of the community that lived across the street, we developed a plan to recreate new murals on the glazing to the new classrooms. These were designed to continue the spirit of young children learning. Also, a multistory mural previously painted on the masonry corner facing the neighborhood was faithfully recreated to match the previous colors and composition. Today the neighbors are very happy with the results and many came to the dedication, proud to be part of this project. This ceremony took place in the welcoming new entry courtyard. It greets the users with ample plantings, seating and shade and has provided a new place on Woodland for students and the greater community to mingle.

How have you had to respond or shift your project over the past year due to COVID-19?

The covid pandemic had a profound impact on the Living Learning Commons. In March of 2020, the university made the decision to close the building. They asked everyone to go back home except for the residential directors. International students that could not return home were moved to another location. In the fall of 2020, the building reopened under newly adopted guidelines that converted all the shared rooms into single occupancy rooms. All classes are still virtual so the classrooms at the ground level have not been used in over a year. The retail use at the ground level reopened in the fall of 2020.

What inspires you the most about Philadelphia and the region right now?

Both the state of Pennsylvania and the city of Philadelphia have been under very restrictive lockdowns for quite some time and University of the Sciences have been following their guideline as well as the CDC. Right now, there is an optimism in the air as the campus looks forward to reopening in the fall. This will activate that ground floor of the commons which was always meant to serve the entire campus community. Many staff members have found to their surprise that they can work efficiently home. As a result, the university is allowing many of its staff to make a case for remote work and giving their immediate supervisors the authority to approve these requests. There is a feeling that efficiencies can be gained across many aspects of teaching and administration that could provide a win – win for all.

Winners will be announced live at a virtual celebration on June 16. For more information and to register, click here.