Philadelphia Alleys Ranked for Makeover

In advance of what may be a wider program, Philadelphia's alleys have been ranked for their aesthetic quality. Those in the "average" range are most suitable for retrofits.

1 minute read

November 17, 2015, 6:00 AM PST

By Philip Rojc @PhilipRojc

Jon Seidman / Flickr

Like their counterparts elsewhere, most of Philadelphia's alleyways aren't very beloved spaces. "In a Center City Residents' Association (CCRA) newsletter, [blogger William] West described the alleyways as an 'inartful jumble of architectural afterthoughts.'"

West proceeded to rank the city's alleys according to their quality. Middle scorers have the most to gain from an easy face-lift. "Subsequently, Moravian Street was selected as the best middle-ground contender. Moravian was also appropriate due to its location—it is situated between two of the most popular retail blocks in the city."

Moravian Street will be transformed, it is hoped, into an attractive urban space. "Simple green plantings with shrubbery and bushes create a sense of place, while murals integrated with green walls, hanging lights and bird boxes round out the design. Now, one can easily imagine this as a place that has grown over time, not just an alleyway with some plants hastily chucked in."

FULL STORY: Phill'd In

Tuesday, November 10, 2015 in The Architect's Newspaper

Architecture Land Use Landscape Architecture Urban Development Pennsylvania Philadelphia Alleyways Alleys Placemaking Revitalization Public Arts Pedestrian Streets Public Space Design Center City Philadelphia View More

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.