[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]
SFP 1986 ,,D.esign for an Interpretive Center ..at the Fairmount Waterworks C0.ASTAJ- Zo'i'@11117 INFORMATION c" M ATHEU CEBUL & ASSOCIATES 30T 0 158.8 F34 S-32 EM, 1986 cl 14 Final Report June 30, 1986 0@ Schematic Design for an INTERPRETIVE CENTER at t.he FAIRMOUNT WATERWORKS Prepared for The Water Department, City of Philadelphia FINAL REPORT June 30, 1986 Funded and coordinated through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources Office of Resource Management Bureau of Water Resources Management Division of Coastal Zone Management Full architectural plans are available through the Water Department, City of Philadelphia MATHEU CEBUL AND ASSOCIATES, Principal Architect and Planner with the assistance of Layng Pew, Margaret Lee, and Kathleen Cushman Agoos/Lovera, Consulting Architects Keast & Hood Co., Inc., Structural Engineers Vinokur-Pace Engineering Services, Inc., Mechanical Engineers International Consultants Inc., Cost Estimating Charles Evers, Historic Architectural Services Robert Vogel, Curator, Smithsonian Institute, Machine Historian Tom Rick, Manitou Machine Works, Inc., Historic Machine Restoration TABLE OF CONTENTS page 1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2. Concept, Goals, and Assumptions 3. 3. The Design Approach: Philosophy and Themes . . . . . . . . 5 The Site and Outdoor Exhibitions The Indoor Exhibition Space 4. The Design Solution 7 The Visitor's Experience Estimated Capacities and -Space Requirements Cost Estimate Summaries 5. Major Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Appendix (Separate Cover) A. Historical Building Report B. Turbine Restoration Report C. Architectural Summary D. Mechanical Report E. Structural Report F. Building Cost Estimate 4-4 P-M 40 - - diW no - so M AN MM 90 - JM It was the midpoint of the nineteenth Philadelphia Art Museum, and the forebay became century, a time of immense transition Ln American the site of the Aquarium. Over the years, the Society. Industrialization was under way; from Waterworks fell into disrepair. Only in the last the steam engine to the Jonval turbine, machines decade, through a remarkable joint private and had emerged with the potential to harness public effort, has the promise of its restoration nature's resources in the service of an exploding and use been seriously explored. poputaL ion. In LhLg remarkable period, at the The effort was begun at the instigation of gate to the Fairmount Park in Philadelphia, there the Junior League of Philadelphia; and with the stood a structure that symbolized to the entire support of the Philadelphia Water Department, the world the power and promise of "the machine in Fairmount Park Commission, and the Coastal Zone the garden." It was the Waterworks--a monumental Management Program, a study of the site was @henomenon that brought architecture, engineer- launched. The Waterworks was declared a National Ing, and landscape together to channel the pure Historic Landmark and a National Historic waters of the Schuylkill River into the homes and Engineering Landmark; and it was listed as an businesses of an entire city. Endangered Historic Landmark as well, perhaps Whereas steam and breastwheels provided qualifying it for special funding support. The power initially, by 1851 the crux of the project has been coordinated through the Waterworks operation was the Jonval turbine, a Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, huge hydraulic engine that pumped river water and upholds the Secretary of the Interior's uphill to reservoirs atop "Faire Mount," the standards for historic restoration. There is new highest point in Phi-ladelphia. From across the hope that the Waterworks may once more actively ocean and around the country, visitors traveled involve the public in learning about and to this romantic place to view the wonderful celebrating the place water and its management machine and to marvel at the massive flume gates, have in the past, present, and future of every the giant iron and brick sLandpipe, and the citizen. riveted iron mains with their masonry supports ascending the hill to the reservoirs. And they The purpose of this study is to examine the came to promenade as well, through the lovely feasibility and set forth the possibilities for a classical buildings, the beautifully laid out Waterworks Interpretive Center, one that would gardens and gazebo, past the fountains and the incorporate the many aspects of this historic forebay and along the river retaining wall. For site in an imaginative and significant way. The Philadelphians and foreigners alike, the threads that must be woven together to accompli.sh. Waterworks was a place to see and be seen. this are many, but the results could handsomely But by 1909, the city had found new reward the challenge. Any actions taken to reuse reservoirs for its water supply. Fairmount Hill the site must be carefully considered and was filled in to accommodate the impressive new executed. First, the new Interpretive Center would serve a historic preservation funcLi.on. The Jonval Turbine at Lhe WaLerworks is the last remaining example of such a machine in the country, and deserves restoration and display. An important educational function would follow; the Center's exhibi.Ls, lectures, and resource library would allow people of all ages to become reacquainted with the importance of the Water- works in the development of the city. A commercial function will play an intrinsic role as I-lie site is adapted for reuse; a restaurant would be associated with the Center and serve the needs of both park and Art Museum visitors, and funds generated by commercial participants will be used to defray the mainLen- ance costs of facilities. There is recreational value as well in a restoration of the Water@7o_rks; the surrounding park could be refurbished and maintained in a unified way to become again a green link between Fairmount Park on the north and the proposed new Schuylkill River Park on the south. And finally, an important environmental purpose is served by revitalizing this historic sile; its reuse will draw attention to the entire Schuylkill River Coastal Zone and remind Philadelphians of the importance of this waterfront in the overall ecology of the region. To coordinate such a project is a complex process, requiring the participation of public and private civic groups on several levels. In these pages we will explore the scope and organization of such an effort, laying out our basic philosophy, goals, and assumptions; posing a design solution; and identifying the major issues that remain to be resolved. I I I i I Concept, Goals, I I and Assumptions I I I I I I I I i I 3 The Waterworks Interpretive Center has the this category. Some will come to the Waterworks potential of restoring to full use and beauty one as their primary destination; others will add i.t of the most inLeresLing, well-known, and to a visit to the Art Museum or a meal in the new important sites in this country's historical restaurant; still others may stop for a break as development. From both a recreational and an they walk or jog through fhe grounds. educational standpoi-nt, the value of such a Casual visitors will be admitted between 10 restorati-on is inestimable. Our concept works to a.m. and 6 p.m., and perhaps during evening hours Lake advajiLage of the diversity of the site as in the summer season. Peak demand for this group well as that of i-ts prospectiLve audiences, and to is likely to be around 1:30 p.m. on Sundays in. bring themes and people together in enjoyable spring, early summer, and fall. ways, so they might-, celebrate water in their past School groups. The educational aspect of and plan for its use in their future. the Waterworks is significant, and a concerted The site i1self is one of the most effort will be made to give young people an attractive and appealing in all of Philadelphia. experience of the important role il played in the Besides its own architectural and historic charm, development of Philadelphia. We can expect from the Waterworks stands in the shadow of the great current curricula that field trips will be common Philadelphia Art Museum and just downriver from by classes from fourth grade through high school; the popular Boathouse Row and its associated and college and graduate students in the field of recreation area. Further, the Waterworks is art, architecture, engineering, history, highly visible from the expressway and West River environmental protection, and public health will Drive; from the city, it serves as the eastern visit the facility as well. entrance to all of Fairmount Park. The goal would be to book 60 students in advance for each weekday hour between 9:30 a.m. Audiences, Attendance, and Use and 1:30 p.m., with groups completely gone from 2:30 p.m. on. Several different groups of anticipated Special interest groups. Because of the users will each bring different needs to the constderable historic, architectural, Waterworks site; the design and operations of the engineering, and landscape significance of the Interpretive Center must accommodate these Waterworks, special interest groups will probably several needs. also be well represented among its visitors. Casual visitors. Residents and tourists These can be serviced by advance group sales make up this segment: of the visitor market; and programs, and will probably want to Lake full undoubtedly residents will outnumber tourists. advantage of all educational programming as well We predict that families with elementary and as resource library privileges. junior high school age children, young adults, Rentals. There is potential income from and older adults will make up the majority of renting space at the Waterworks Interpretive Center for cocktail parties, small dinners, or large dinners arranged in conjunction with the restaurant at the site. Valet parking would be necessary for such functions. Other possible rental clients would be ci-vi-c and professional groups needing meeting space, movie production companies, or the fashion and adverti@sing industries. Any income generated will be contributed to the cost of operations. ' Waterworks Support Group. An auxiliary group such as "Friends of the Waterworks" might be created. Such a group would certainly hold its meetings at the center, might volunteer in its operations, and could help finance certain programs. Operations The proposed staff of the Waterworks Interpretive Center would be as follows: --Supervisor of operations --One full-time staff person --Two part-time staff people --one janiLor/securiLy guard ESTIMATED ATTENDANCE The following table is a presentation of conservative projected attendance figures assuming the existence of a healthy marketing and public relations operation. ESTIMATED ESTIMATED SEASON CAPACITY % ATTENDANCE % ATTENDANCE TOTAL Tn-Season* 154,000** 75% 115,500 3% 4,620 120,120 Shoulder Season 154,000 50% 77,000 10% 15,360 92,360 Off-Season 154,000 - negligible 5% 7,700 7,700 220,280 CASUAL VISITOR @GROUP VISITORS In-season refers to the months of May through August, shoulder season refers to March, April, September and October; and the off-season re- fers to November through February A capacity for each of the four month seasons was calculated by taking the estimated building capacity of 335 times 4-5 turn-overs per day times six days per week times sixteen weeks 0 0ri) (@d E cd 0 4) ;.o M= oo&-l 04riz = m OU ;;o., (A w =4 = Q rA (:)0 P= F-4 0 FM4 . E-4 r= A-4 C@i I" m 4w "J" "K so "a no ow a* am 'we -- 40 No ow 5 The Waterworks Interpretive Center is the point where they leave the Italian Fountain conceived primarily to be a celebration of all the way out to the Gazebo and back along the water, as provider of energy and as sustainer of old forebay, through the garden, and along the life. The pure waCers of the Schuylkill River river. have historically been used to serve these The outdoor exhibitions will be carefully functions, from earliest Indian days through the designed so as not to intrude upon the landscape great industrial. and technological transitions of or buildings. First, the building exteriors and the last century. As we look ahead to the garden landscape must be faithfully renovated in critical role Lhi,s water will play in our future, a way that allows for their successful reuse. the Waterworks can stand as both symbol and Next, the original forebay and water passage promise. through the site should be recreated, at least by Everything in the Interpretive Center will implicaLion--using paving surfaces, changes in work to illuminate these central Lhemes--iLs elevation, the old bridge, and new watercourses landscape, its archiLecture, its graphics, and and fountains. Throughout, interpretation will the design of each exhibition. As visitors move be low-key, avoiding free-standing signs in favor from one area to another, they will be of a recessed medium such as etched metal plates continually aware of the wonderfully diverse role on walkways, benches, or balustrades. Pamphlets the river plays in their lives, a natural for walking tours can be provided in the resource of incalculable value and a powerful Interpretive Center information office to those generator of the energy on which they who require more detailed materials. increasingly depend. Several essential qualities of space work The Indoor Exhibition Spaces together to carry out this philosophy, both outdoors and inside the buildings. Four more qualities of space take shape i.n the indoor exhibit areas, so the visitor might The Site and Outdoor Interpretation experience the full power and grandeur of the Waterworks in the past, as well as the Recreating the interplay of water, possibilities for the Schuylkill's waters in the landscape, and machinery that drew crowds to the future. Wherever water once flowed through this Waterworks in the mi.d-1800s will be crucial to building the effect will be recreated here, the atmosphere of the entire Interpretive Center. either through shallow water or through special It is therefore important to restore as much effects using plexiglas, lighting, or fibre water--active waLer--to the site as is feasible optics. from the standpoint of maintenance. As indicated The South Entrance House, the Interpretive on the site plan, fountains, watercourses, and Center's entry point, will appear just as it did river views will draw visitors like a magnet from in 1851 save for the sign over the door heralding its new function. Lnside at ground level, enlargements of lithographs froin the 1800s will immerse the visitor in the romantic, old- fashioned mood of the place that drew visitors to see and be seen here at the Waterworks. In the lower level foyer, the feeling will be of grandeur and reverence, emphasized by the symmetrical stairway and the magnifi-cenL motion of the breasLwheel with water cascading down over i.Ls paddles. Inside Lhe Turbine Room the visitor will experience Lhe i.ndu-,Lrial feeling through every sound and sight, from the clanking and grinding of the gears turning on the giant machine, the hiss of the pump, footsteps ringing on the metal catwalk, and huge Graff drawings depicted in tile on the river wall.- Along the long, narrow, vaulted hallway, the original function of the Waterworks will be vividly apparent as the illusion is created of'waters rushing along the flume towards the engine room. Finally, the contemporary, functional ambiance of the modern exhibit areas will bring the visitor into the current technological era and define prospects for the future. Here tanks, interactive exhibi-ts, and other devices will create an inspiring museum space. I I I I I 'I A 0 1 X0 e esign Solution I I j I I I I I 7 The Waterworks Is a complex structure on a The Visitor's Experience difficult siLe--a small amount of building space, situated on bedrock, with many changes in The following section offers a vision of the elevation that are i-nLegral to the purpose of the kind of use intended to be stimulated by the structure. Our major challenge is to design an design. The reader is encouraged to imagine the exhibit area for visitors that will at once setLi-ng and experiences suggested in order to preserve the historic nature of the landmark, capture the spirit and function of the proposal. provide a clear story line explaining the The Approach. Most visitors to the si,>nificance of various areas, and maintain Fairmount Waterworks Interpretive Center will continuity throughouL the visit. come by car, making their approach off East River To achieve this we have relied on a linear, Drive. Turning in toward the Italian Fountain, sequential design approach throughout the they will glimpse first the historic gazebo at exhibit . Though the visitor enters from above, a the end of the plaza, and then the waters potentially disorienting approach since the cascading over the fountai,n--a fitting beginning exhibition space and machinery are at a lower to an excursion into the history of water supply level, the river itself serves as a central technology in Philadelphia. See Site Plan. orienting point, providing continuity throughout Diagonal parking will be provided all along the tour. There are several places where the the one-way entrance drive, with two more rows visitor has a choice of route, but a preferred around the fountain on the river side. Sidewalks route is always implied. Three larger rooms are and a landscaped edge will buffer the parking available along the linear route so that the areas from the sloping grassy open area and the visitor may browse before proceeding to other plaza with its gazebo. A secondary, smaller exhibits; these spaces can also serve as drop-off circle, off the main rotary around the crowd control on days with heavy attendance. Italian fountain, will be a safe point of Handicapped access will be possible to over disembarkation for children and tour groups, and 50 percent of the building, including the Jonval for-those who cannot'walk very far. turbine, but not by means of the regular route. Once parked, visitors find themselves at the To equalize the elevations throughout the center, northernmost portion of the site, with a clear we felt, would require heroic and expensive longitudinal view south to the cluster of small efforts that would result in an inappropriate buildings that house the machinery at river change to the original structure. level. It is a festive scene, with families strolling past cart vendors of balloons and souvenirs, and joggers and bicyclists on the specially marked paths. At the base of the dam fishermen cast their lines into the water; lovers stroll arm in arm along the balustrade. Small 01 22 27 26 20 10 A-r\-'-'-_- c 6 B 41 F c :DEN IFIIATIO" r 17 + IT... W-019 C111it- Blildilg 4C IF-b Y.R'='(h,l, a,l4,) 9N-h'E H.... F ... I., 12. S-h E.1 .....H.... 2 16. I "I F-Illil PIoposcd 0- D.,% RESTORED SCULPTURE Rill 1PI A. 'A-fi- E,11,' - JIhI Rl.h. 1835 'il P ':@E hi "Phil M-111m If A, B. 'T , S,hlylkill (F-6)' - WIllill Rl1h. 1821 21. G-1. C. 'Thh, S,h,ylkill (Ch,i,,d)' Willi.. R 0. @, 1829 21 lk@illy M,,.,i,l D. 'Wi,d..' - Willi.. 11.0, 1924 t,. id,) 21: 068i"I N ... 6 D., E - Willi- R-h. , 1924 (illidl) Vi:t'llilo Blidl;@I'iA .1-1 F@ hl--y' - Willil, R.,b. 1828 e a' G ,.W.I., N,.,h -d - Willi.. R-h@ @. 1809 C@i ii WarM WF,,d,,i,k 0,.ff J.h. R..h. , 1848 26.01 F-bly F-y L.ldi.g Sit@ 27.0i:i,:; S-dpip. T_ Si'l , .R.y @j di,. D. lPh1I' - JIh1 FIdd-d, 1. 1332 0. SITIE PLAN 29. P,.po,,d Gwd- lt.f-h.- H.... lD.. k."'o, & D... U.kI... 1-t 30, - w 8 motorboats bob at their.moori.ngs towards the Enlargements of old lithographs depicting people south end of the esplanade, an excursion ferry promenadi.ng at the nineteenth-century Waterworks pulls into its dock, and small paddleboats churn as it once was lead our twenti.eLh-cenLury through the water near the Waterworks floating visitors down the stairs. Statues at the Music Pavilion. landings further contribute to the romantic mood The visitor follows along the water course, of the space. Other visitors leaving the museum on the same route the original forebay took, and are climbing identical stairs to the left. is thus brought to the main entrance of the Waterworks. 2. Fairmount Foyer. As they round the edge of the weir and the columnar sculpture that 1. South Entrance House. At the center of marks the stair's turn, visitors have a clear the site are two entrance houses, with a pavilion view out through windows to the river beyond. between them. One serves as the entrance to the Below, a roomy foyer spreads before them, restaurant associated with the Waterworks; and outfitted with window seats and three large story the South Entrance House is where visitors come murals that introduce the theme of the Park as into the Waterworks Interpretive Center itself. protector of water. The Upstairs and from the outside, the portal of atmosphere is dominated, though, by a giant the South Entrance House is as it was in 1851, water-driven breastwheel suspended in the grotto restored to its clean, crisp lines. The only at the landing. As the water cascades over the addition is a handsome sign above the door on the weir from above and from a recessed wall of water entablature. A fai-thful reproduction of the behind the wheel, the buckets on the wheel turn famous William Rush sculpture, "Schuylkill it with a steady, mesmerizing swish. Multi- Freed," again graces the Lop of the building, colored.blue, silver, and gold tiles reflect symbolizing the themes of nature and technology light through the water wall as spotlights that are the focus of the Waterworks Interpretive illuminate the sparkling spray. As they dip Center. See Figure 2. their fingers in the water, our visitors notice Just inside the door on the left are several a sign explaining that this building indeed bronze plaques recognizing contributors to the housed the paddlewheels that drove the Waterworks project, and to the right is a sign of welcome. pumps in the early nineteenth century. Not only Inside, visitors see a waist-high wall of water is the grotto and water beautiful to watch, it is bubbling over a ledge or weir; the sound of also functional, for the paddlewheel actually rushing water mutes their voices as they gaze up drives the mechanism that pumps water into the at a beautiful ceiling tableau of treetops and two drinking fountains at either side of the back clouds. To the right a grand stairway, of the stairs. In this way, the two major themes illuminated by natural light from the original of the Center are introduced: water as energy, windows, descends to the machinery below. and water as a precious natural resource. See Figure 3. A :!,JLUME ROOM 3. IT \A, mi ORIENTATION I@L 0 B 9 ly 0 N 7 u 41 . ...... .... A L LML FLOOR c 1Q, E UMS LML FLOOR KNTR@ "w" A NEW INTERPRETIVE CENTE Th. Cky f Phil.11,01. .-I DI-I.- 'T F ENTRANCE MUSE A NEW INTFRPRETIVE CENTER Th COy f phi,. dflp- WhIll D-11-1 9 Along the cushioned seating a school group It is at this point that visitors see the rests briefly, several chi-ldren climbing to the beginning of what is the major interpretive lookout window to bct:Ler view the river. At the element in the exhibiLion--a Lwo-paLh fi-bre-optic two stair landings, restrooins are located. trail system depicting the route taken by water through the building where the first turbine was 3. orientation Lobby. In the adjacent introduced. One path, in green, is the route of orientation and lobby area, books, souvenirs, and water to be used by the Jonval turbine as i-t scientific toys are displayed; volunteers in creates energy to drive the pumps and then Waterworks aprons work the counters and hand out release back into the river. The other, in blue, pockeL-sized floor plans and exhi-bition guides. is the route of water being Laken to the pumps to A display case showing merchandise and holding be elevated up the ascending main into the self-guided tour materials bangs on the opposite reservoir above, and used for drinking water. wall. Tucked behind the storage room is an The original stone and brick chamber that elevator for handicapped use and stock transfer. opened into the hallway is illuminated by these To the left as our .visitor leaves the ticket two colored fibre-optic tubes. A backliL diagram counter are a set of double doors and a sign invites visitors to follow the paths of the identifying the Graff Lecture Room; an tubes, to understand the route water Look through announcement board i-ndicaLes the coming week's the buildings and machinery in 1851, when the schedule of programs and the museum library's Jonval turbine was first used. hours. The Graff Lecture Room is more than an Over the clatter of feet coming and going, audi.Lori.um for use by civic and other rental our visitors look down at where the actual groups; it houses a complete audiovisual system turbine is displayed. They have Limed their that can di-splay to visitors the Waterworks visit to see the huge machine in action, as it is documentary in preparation. At this point at scheduled intervals throughout the day. The visitors pass through a set of doors into the piped-in sounds of engines and pumps bounces off exhibition areas. the hard tiled walls, contributing to a sense of energy and motion. 4. Flume Room: The River Is Energy. The spirit of nineteenth-century industrial vigor is 5. 1851 Jonval Turbine Catwalk. Up a few immediate and vivid as our visitors enter the stairs and to the right is a narrow metal catwalk long hall that makes up the fi=rst exhibit area. along the length of the 15-foot Jonval Turbine it @s a historic and intriguing area, marking the below. Small graphics mounted along the handrail actual opening where one of the original flumes pose questions and provide answers to our brought the Schuylkill's waters from the forebay visitors about the various parts of the machine into the breastwheels and later to the Jonval below. Following the fibre-optic trail, they turbine. come to a landing overlooking the Morris pumps; 10 again, the function and history of every part of Waterworks buildi-ngs and associated machinery. the machinery is interpreted. On a lower landing Our visitors can pull several levers to along the deep Liled wall are windows that let in demonstrate the changes in the Waterworks light from the river; there is a beautiful view structures at several pivotal points in their of the water and of the gemli.ke Waterworks evolution throughout the nineteenth century. Pavilion floating in the sun. A large model Other levers will let them see more recent: section superimposed on the tile defines the renovation and reuse of the site, from the geology of the coastal zone and describes the swimming pool and aquarium that Philadelphi@ans importance of waLerin the coastal zone will remember so well to the imposing Art Museum ecosystem. where the reservoirs once were. Transparent This exhibit room is a large, deep etchings of historic engine patents associated rectangular space that our visitors can with the Waterworks are suspended overhead. experience on three levels. Giving it visual At the end of this large room, next to the unity is the huge wall mural done in tile, a emergency exit out to the river esplanade, are a depiction of the nineteenth-century Waterworks set of scopes protruding from the wall and industrial machinery, which works together with designed somewhat like periscopes. Peering into the sounds of the room to conjure up the the lenses, our visitors can view in turn various atmosphere of men at work. See Figure 4. aspects of the esplanade and gardens. Other scopes, though appearing the same, are fitted out 6. Waterworks Model Gallery. On'the with period views of the same landscape in the ground level of thi-s same large room is another 1850s--people in Victorian finery promenading major exhibit: an eighL-fooL-long, waist-high along the water's edge just as today's visitors model of the Waterworks of 1851. A good overall do. view of the model can be had from above on the During rentals or special occasions the pumps landing, but it is also accessible for more esplanade can be regarded as an exhibit in di-rect: i=nLeracLive use from the floor. Actual itself, though a low-key one; here visitors can water flows through the model; our visitor can walk close to the water's edge, relax on benches, set a small colored capsule adrift on the little and then either mount the original steps to the Schuylkill River and watch as it flows with the restored garden above or return to the indoor water behind the dam, into the forebay, through exhibition. Once out on the Esplanade in the the flumes behind plexiglas walls, into the midst of that beautiful setting, visitors are Jonval turbine turning and humming, or through again presented information as to the delicate the pumps and up the mains to the reservoirs on balance of coastal zone ecosystems and the the hill above. precious resource that the Schuylkill's waters Suspended on the wall opposite the tile represent. Binocular viewers offer sights of mural is another model, this one of the actual wildlife. Meanwhile, small boat traffic hums at the dock and music wafts from the Pavilion. P- A NEW INTERPRETIVE CENTER at the FAIRMOUNT @VATFRWDRKS Th, Ciiy f Phil,ddphil W-1 7. Hall of Water Sights and Sounds. circular flow and give everyone access to the Through the Model Room and back up the steps to model. Once our visitors have operated the steam the landing, our visitors once more pick up the engine and seen the ascending main disappear trail of the blue fibre-opLi.c tube and are led by through the wall beyond on its route to the its soft glow into the narrow space once occupied reservoir, they leave this room and turn to their by the original watercourse. This i.s a dark, right, back into the Hall of Water Sights and vaulted hallway that surrounds them with the Sounds. A short set of stairs takes them up a sights and sounds of water. High on the walls, few feet to a landing and the blue fibre-opLic small windows bring in some li.ght from the Model trail in the area that was once the pump wet Gallery; deflected light from hidden sources we 11. Visitors experience the illusion of plays on the ceiling as if on water. The view to walking on water while dapples light dances on the right is of underwater fish life behind a the ceiling as if reflected off water. bubbling water wall, and overhead floats a rowing The entrance to the last exhibit room is scull right out o 'f the "Schuylkill Navy." The immediately engaging and draws our visitors down fibre-opLic trail Lakes visitors across this the hall. It is a constantly moving sculpture of space and on into the Steam Engine Room, the a Schuylkill fisherman pulling at his line, which fifth and last historic exhibition space. arches overhead and disappears in a shimmering pool of water. Periodically fish are visible 8. The Steam Engine Room. Our visitors under the water pool. have just seen in the Waterworks Model Gallery the location and date of operation of the steam 9. Celebrating Water Today. This space engines used in the Waterworks at its inception. illuminates current issues in land and water Here in the Engine Room they will view the actual management; recreation technology; the space where those engines were housed, and will conservation of ecosystems; and the role of the operate a large-scale steam-engine model them- Water Department, Fairmount Park, the selves. The light levels are low and the model Pennsylvania Coastal Zone Management Program, the is dramaLi.cally illuminated. Pennsylvania Department of Environmental All along the right side of the room runs Resources, and the people of Philadelphia in the ascending main from the pumps below in the ensuring a pure water supply for their future. A Jonval Turbine Room; the fibre-optic trail above set of visitor-activaLed computers works in them shows the route that the water took up conjunction with a back-projected slide through the 96-fooL main to the reservoirs on the presentation and an oval floor-to-ceiling fish hill. And a backlit photo montage of men working Lank to convey the central message: the precious at the Waterworks hangs on the opposite wall. resource of pure waters, and the vital challenge This room is relatively small; it will be of maintaining them for residents and industry in treated as a cul de sac in order to encourage a the Delaware Valley. See Figure 5. --T-r- A.NEW INTERPRETIVE CENTER a( the FAIRMOUNT WATERWORKS Th CRY f Phil.-phi. W111, D--- Likl)"14- A@` 12 A small room off to the right provides work space with a view of the ascending main for Friends of the Waterworks volunteers. As they circle the room reading the graphics, worki.ng on computers, watching slides, and observing the wtldlife of the- Schuylkill River in the Lank, our vi-siLors are brought back to the first exhibit area and into the hallway out to the orientation and sales area. Here they can buy books and souvenirs; and if they have Limed their visit right they can catch a program just beginning in the Graff Room. If not, they can emerge into the restored nineteenth-century garden just outside, and enjoy.froin another perspective the classical dignity of this historic site. ESTIMATED CAPACITIES AND SPACE REQUIREMENTS Summary SF Mill House 5,236 Engine House 3,215 Entrance House 528 Caretaker's House 432 TOTAL 9,411 Interior Spaces Summary Capacity SF Foyer/Orientation/Lobby 75 1,000 Graff Lecture Room 60 600 Exhibition Rooms - Total 200 2,000 Overall Visitor Capacity ....................................... 335 Code Capacity (Fire) ........................................... 500 COST ESTIMATE SUMMARY Interpretive Center Building (demolition and construction) $1,767,610 Exhibition: Interpretive Center (Allow) 350,000 Turbine Removal/Restoration/Reinstallation (Allow) 150,000 $2,267,610 Site Development (To be determined) Lower Esplanade Carden Forebay Entrance Boat Dock Floating Theatre/Music Pavilion Parking Facilities Survey and Design Fees (To be negotiatied) Construction Management Fees Other items to be determined are the power substation, furnishings, and asbestos removal For the present project, exhibition costs must remain an allocated amount prior to design development at which time a detailed budget will be generated based on specific exhibition elements. m w ;z (A m 0.-0 ;.4 0 0 pmm@ M I 0 m = = = m = = = m = m = m m = m 13 For the Waterworks Interpretive Center site, our design presupposes that related work to be a success, several significant planning previously produced by John Milner Associates issues must be resolved. in some cases, this will be completed before construction of the report will suggest strategies for dealing new Interpretive Center begins. Dimensions, with these issues; we raise others simply as structural systems, and fabrication materials points to consider in future planning. They for the Center, therefore, coordinate with are listed in no particular order, but tend those shown in the Milner phasing packages. to flow from general site conditions to Odor on the Site. Extremely unpleasant specific aspects of the design project. odors plague the Waterworks site; they must General Site Development. The Waterworks be eliminated if the restaurant, the Interpretive buildings and the surrounding site are viewed, Center, and other visitor uses are to be a in general, as a unit by Philadelphians and success. These odors emanate both from the tourists alike. Any restoration projects river and from several sewer manholes in the such as a restau rant or visitor center, there- garden. fore, should be developed as an integral Garden Management. A beautifully whole; and will require appropriate master refurbished garden adjoining the restaurant planning and development funds. and Interpretive Center will not only provide Construction Phasing. To insure a a place for visitor overflow but also serve as harmonious integration of every part of the a significant attraction itself. But a garden 14 of this scope inevitably presents a management providing the handicapped with access. This and maintenance challenge. We suggest that was a particularly difficult problem to solve, responsibility for this not be shared, but be because to provide wheelchair access in some taken on by the restaurant, Fairmount Park, or cases would be to violate the physical integrity even a private volunteer garden club. of the historic structure. The basement of the Parking. Though many visitors will come Engine House, of course, was never intended to this area on foot or bicycles, by public for public access; its many levels served a transportation and by park trolley, the majority water transport function, not an esthetic or of family users will certainly arrive by car. informational one. With this in mind our study This study provides for an adequate number of proposes varying levels of access for the parking spaces for the Interpretive Center; but handicapped; final decisions must be made on an overall site use study must be completed in these alternatives during design development, order to establish the parking needs of the site so that documentation of the project may as a whole, including the restaurant and other proceed. special uses. Flooding. Structural engineers advise Access for the Handicapped vs. Historic that flooding of the Interpretive Center Restoration. In many instances, adaptation of building at the 100-year flood level must be the lower level of the Engine House for use as allowed to occur, and our design proposal an Interpretive Center was in conflict with takes this into account.. Any structural 15 changes that would be undertaken in an become the victim of vandalism, fires, and effort to repulse the natural flow of water other destruction. The best defense against through the building would put the structure such a problem is to create a popular attraction in jeopardy. We assume, then, that the in active use. Especially at the beginning, mechanical room will be located at the higher however, some form of overnight security may east side of the building; that mechanical be necessary in order to reverse the current duct work and electric conduits will be suspended trend. high and easily accessible; and that all finish The Interpretive Center and the Restaurant. materials will be immersible, easily cleaned, It will be crucial to create a physically inter- or easily replaced. In compliance with Executive active, operationally symbiotic, relationship Order #11988 this position was proposed at a between the Interpretive Center and the public meeting held to foster public participa- restaurant because visitors will experience tion in decision-making as to whether the project the site and its buildings as a unit. As the should be constructed within the flood plain. A management systems of these two facilities are full report of that meeting can be obtained from developed it will be particularly important that Mr. Drew Brow of the Water Department City of they work with each other to minimize conflict, Philadelphia. promote mutual gain, and most of all serve Security. As it has fallen from public visitors as a quality experience. use over the last decades, the Waterworks has 16 The Interpretive Center and the Art Museum. odor problem as well, and sbould therefore be As with the res taurant, the visitor center will planned. Permits will also be required from have a direct relationship with the Art Museum the state and federal governments. and its visitor flow; this must be taken into Forebay Room. The original forebay room consideration during planning stages. Ideally, can be refurbished to serve as an additional visitors to the general area will be inclined entrance to the building, used by either to see both the museum and the Waterworks, as Fairmount Park or the restaurant. Its location well as wander through the garden and along and its original purpose will be explained in the river. We suggest a set of physical site interpretive materials; but because it is connections on the site (walkways, railings, so far from the central core of the Interpre- signs) between the two facilities, in support tive Center, it is not considered part of the of this important relationship. visitor's route through the Center. Dock. The proposed marina, or dock, Floating Music Pavilion. The Pavilion shown in our drawings could be a successful as envisioned on Figure is seen as a way to termination point for day trips by small craft give the redeveloped Waterworks a new image, up the Schuylkill River. Our goal is to make especially from across the river along the the Waterworks Center sufficiently attractive West River Drive and Schuylkill Expressway. that this will occur; but without river In addition, it would provide additional, dredging in the area such use will be impossible. needed sheltered space that is also mobile. Dredging is probably the answer to some of the I III 1@