Lenfest Plaza is a new space uniting the two buildings of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA), a world leader in fine arts education. Formerly a vehicular street, the plaza is now closed to traffic and reclaimed for pedestrian use. The Lighting Practice’s lighting includes in-grade uplights that showcase the beauty of the brick archways of the Furness designed Historic Landmark Building. Lighting under benches creates an illusion of floating, guiding pedestrians along the curved form of their black locust wood. Pattern projectors dapple the mosaic pavers from above evoking a moonlit effect throughout the plaza. Sculptures, including a 51 foot tall “Paint Torch” by Claes Oldenburg, are accented by spotlights mounted on building cornices and street poles. The new plaza provides a space to gather and be inspired by the power of art, during both the day and the night.
Client
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
