This project, a museum and memorial to Benjamin Franklin, is on the
site of the home Franklin built for himself, set back from Market Street
in the historic Old City in Philadelphia. The museum needs to fit into
its context, but maintain a distinctive identity of its own. It is to
serve educational and memorial purposes, stimulate its visitors' imaginations,
convey a rich history, and reflect Franklin's spirit as well as tell
the story of his life and accomplishments.
The response to these multiple challenges departed from the usual museum
and memorial architecture by placing the main exhibit area underground
and designing a steel "ghost" structure to represent the original
house. This preserved as open space the site of Franklin's garden. Viewing
ports are provided to allow visitors to see the few archaeological remains
of the house uncovered during earlier research on the property. Quotes
from Franklin's letters to his wife during the house's construction
are engraved in the paving.
The five historic houses that had faced Market Street were reconstructed;
two are archaeological exhibits, the others house administrative offices
and a shop. As in Franklin's time, they enclose the garden beyond. The
entry to the memorial through a passageway under these houses has a
sense of discovery and drama. The inner court's landscaping recalls
an 18th century garden. It has comfortable accommodations for visitors
and is sturdily designed for intense use.
Franklin Court is one of the most visited attractions in Independence
Park. It is also used by nearby residents and workers from surrounding
office buildings during lunch times. As in Franklin's time, it serves
as a quiet oasis off a bustling commercial street.
Awards:
Presidential Design Award, 1984.
Federal Design Achievement Award, 1984.
National Honor Award, AIA, 1977.
Award, Urban Design Case Studies, 1977.
Adaptive Reuse Award, Phila. Chapter of the AIA, 1976.
Award, Print Magazine Casebook, Best in Exhibition Design, 1976.
http://www.nps.gov/inde/Franklin_Court/Pages/index.html
