FIFTEEN Architecture + Design Selected as 2023 PEA Prize Award Recipient

The annual Philadelphia Emerging Architect Prize recognizes a Philadelphia firm that has been established and licensed within the past ten years for its high-quality design and innovative thought. 

F I F T E E N is an Architecture and Design practice driven by the desire to affect positive change. We are passionate about entrepreneurial, cross-practice solutions that improve our built environment, our communities, and our future.

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

PHMC PUBLIC HEALTH CAMPUS ON CEDAR

In Progress: Expected Construction Completion Summer 2024

FIFTEEN is working with PHMC on the renovation and re-imagining of the former Mercy Hospital in West Philadelphia. The new PHMC Public Health Campus on Cedar will include a community and wellness hub focusing on preventive health. The new vestibule resolves multiple design issues through its simple yet impactful form, while the entrance uses transparency and scale to create a new portal to the neighborhood symbolizing access and approachability that did not previously exist. Through the integration of newly designed accessible ramps and cleverly concealed elevators, the vestibule seamlessly eliminates physical barriers making the ground floor accessible, providing an environmental threshold, and perhaps most importantly, providing a new facade to signal change, commitment, dignity, and the respect for the community it serves.

CORIELL INSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH

In Progress: Expected Construction Completion 2026

Coriell’s new facility is a four-story, multi-use 92,000 SF research and development laboratory building in Camden, NJ. The building envelope is designed to respond to programmatic, environmental, and context condition. Our work on this Life Science Research building and the masterplan of a new campus is underway. Stay tuned for more information as we continue to develop this exciting project!

LIFE SCIENCES BUILDING

Our team re-imagined the facade, streetscape, and amenity spaces for a scientific institute resulting in a design that is dynamic, forward thinking, and brand-focused. The outcome leverages the institute’s identity within the existing ecosystem by becoming a vibrant destination and connection point. By transforming into a hub for innovation, partnerships, and interactive engagement with the scientific community, the facility will maximize the full potential of its location and benefit from the research, social, cultural, and business perspectives.

OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH FUND

Construction Completed 2024

INTEGRAL MOLECULAR AT ONE UCITY

In Progress: Expected Construction Completion 2024

FIFTEEN worked with Integral Molecular to envision and execute a transformative expansion project connecting the 9th floor to their existing space on the 8th floor. The carefully planned layout incorporates private and shared offices and a dedicated lab corridor. Transparency is strategically incorporated to enhance the sense of connection, and meticulous attention to finishes ensures cohesion between the two floors. An interconnected stair unifies the spaces, while a spacious kitchenette serves as a versatile hub for gatherings.

SCIENCE +TECHNOLOGY PARK

FIFTEEN is working with Scheer Partners & SkyREM on the conversion of the historic Quartermaster site in South Philadelphia to a life sciences campus with restaurants and a hotel. Six buildings totaling 1 million SF of space will be used for research and development labs. The Park will showcase industrial-style aesthetics, including large factory windows, exposed ceilings, and polished concrete floors. The buildings will be Energy Star and LEED-certified.

THE CONCEPT SCHOOL ADDITION AND RENOVATION

In Design: Expected Construction Completion 2026

The Concept School is a co-educational school that provides quality education for students grades 6 through 12 in need of options for their academic growth. The addition creates a new architectural expression which aligns with the school’s mission, provides a welcoming presence to the street, and solves for the school’s current and future program needs.

RESEARCH BUILDING ENTRANCE AND LOBBY ADDITION

FIFTEEN created a new entrance and lobby addition design concept for a confidential client.

LIFE SCIENCES BUILDING

FIFTEEN envisioned a multi-tenant Research tower for a confidential client that would serve as a catalyst for development in NJ. The proposed concept is 240,000 SF with 7 stories and a 5-level parking structure. The building is proposed on a speculative site where the ground floor and corresponding programs are critical components for activating the streetscape with potential retail. The building is organized to maximize daylight and views for tenant spaces and create an efficient and easily accessible site service zone for utilities and loading. Typical floors are optimized for both laboratory and office uses. Imagined as a high-performance, LEED Certified building, the full build-out incorporates a green roof and access to common amenities.

LIBRARY ADDITION AND RENOVATION

In Design

FIFTEEN designed a new library infill addition and renovated classroom to provide valuable new resources to a high-performing public charter school in Philadelphia’s Frankford neighborhood. Working closely with the client, FIFTEEN designed the two-story library space within an existing exterior lightwell, while mindfully preserving its access to natural light with a clerestory light monitor that scoops light down through a two story stair opening. The inspiring new space will house a newly acquired library collection and will serve as a flexible learning and study space.

MAKER SPACE AND LITERACY INSTITUTE

In Design: Expected Construction Completion 2025

Woodlynde’s esteemed Literacy Institute is a pillar of the school and one of just a few of its kind in the country. It serves not only the Woodlynde community, but the greater-Philadelphia area community at large. FIFTEEN was invited to design a new home for this program that is befitting of its stature and identity, giving it a newly envisioned presence on campus. The relocation of the Literacy Institute frees up space for the creation of a new Makerspace, another impactful addition to the School’s curriculum. As a new typology, on campus the program will provide opportunities for hands-on, iterative problem solving.

UNIVERSITY DINING HALL RENOVATION

In Design: Expected Construction Completion 2024

Our proposed modifications included a strategic redesign of the center servery area to enhance circulation and create a seamless flow between visitors and staff. The innovative design extends into the seating area, fostering a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.

ASSURED PARTNERS LOUISVILLE HEADQUARTERS

Completed 2023

Created in 2011, Assured Partners is the fastest growing independent insurance agency in the US. Compelled by the efficiencies of a column-free floor plate and extensive glass perimeter, AP is relocating their Louisville offices to Building 435 on the Shelbyhurst Campus. The design and finish palette is closely tied to the client’s brand integrating seamlessly with FIFTEEN’s Core & Shell design of Building 435.

BURGESS & NIPLE LOUISVILLE HEADQUARTERS

Completed 2024

FIFTEEN worked closely with Burgess & Niple to design a new office space that reflected their brand identity and culture while meeting the functional needs of their Louisville-based team. The open office plan and meeting rooms were designed to encourage collaboration and communication among employees, while smaller huddle rooms and quiet rooms provided respite and a place for one to retreat. An inviting lounge area and café were integral to the project, promoting gathering and connection among the team. The design and finish palette is closely tied to the client’s brand integrating seamlessly with FIFTEEN’s Core & Shell design of Building 435.

PHMC PUBLIC HEALTH CAMPUS AT 4601

Completed 2022

The Public Health Campus at 4601 Market Street renovates a prominent historic building in the West Philadelphia neighborhood to bring outreach, health promotion, education, research, planning, technical assistance, and direct services to the community. The design of the three floors is an adaptive re-use that highlights historic and original features and incorporates them into a vibrant design that uses bold colors, transparency, lighting, and graphics to create a welcoming and lively space.

Photos: © Jeffrey Totaro

RESPITE & VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION - PHMC HEALTH CAMPUS ON CEDAR

Completed 2023

PHMC has recently affiliated with the Visiting Nurse Association of Greater Philadelphia (VNA) and Respite, a recovery center dedicated to helping people experiencing homelessness and that have been recently discharged from the hospital. Located within the Public Health Campus on Cedar, VNA and Respite share one floor. This shared occupancy allows PHMC to maximize efficiencies in overlapping staff and reception space, and provides the potential for spill over patient rooms if needed. Other amenities include patient rooms, a family room and dining room, group rooms, consult rooms, and nurses stations. The design takes the PHMC aesthetic and adapts it for a more residential feel with warmer colors, wood tones, and softer accent lighting.

Photo: donpearsephotographers

CURTIS & COLLEGE HALL RENOVATIONS

Completed 2023

As an integral component of the larger renovation of Alumni Hall, Thomas Jefferson University engaged FIFTEEN to design and document a number of enabling projects at Curtis and College Hall. Our scope at Curtis includes the relocation of ENT to create new open lab spaces, addressing asbestos remediation, plumbing, and ceiling replacement as well as the relocation of Medical Media, which required new finishes and accommodating of AV storage.

CARMAN GARDENS HEALTH CENTER

Carman Gardens Health Center is a visionary project that transforms a cherished skating rink into a comprehensive healthcare facility, dedicated to providing high-quality medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, and child development services to the community. In envisioning this health center, FIFTEEN aimed to capture the essence of the close-knit community that had long gathered at the skating rink. The concept emphasizes creating inviting, vibrant, and inclusive spaces, fostering a sense of familiarity and community while building on the legacy of ownership and investment that the rink had instilled.

LIFE SCIENCES CAMPUS AMENITIES MASTER PLAN

Concept

FIFTEEN was invited to consider amenities to support an emerging Life Sciences Campus.

FIFTEEN : is certified as a Women Business Enterprise WBE and a Minority Business Enterprise MBE