Philadelphia's Newest Civic Buildings Take Few Risks

Architecture critic Inga Saffron assesses the latest contributions to Philadelphia's civic architecture. The public structures include two new professional sports venues, a visitor center and a performing arts center. The author finds the buildings appeal to "conservative and cautious" tastes, and do not interact well with the surrounding urban environment. "The trouble is that they also fail to embody the very things that Philadelphia is good at: enduring quality and humane urbanism. The new civic buildings are disfigured with design flaws. They are not adequately engaged with Philadelphia's treasured, walkable street grid. Many behave like a frightened armadillo, curled up behind protective red-brick armor"