Chris Satullo: More plans for a better Kimmel

0 Comments | Philadelphia Inquirer, The, June, 2008 | by Chris Satullo Inquirer Columnist

OK, so maybe the climbing wall on Verizon Hall was, well, off the wall. But other ideas that university students produced for perking up the morose public spaces of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts seem like winners - with the public and Kimmel managers. The design students from the University of Pennsylvania and University of the Arts produced dozens of ideas for enlivening the city's grand but intimidating arts mecca.

Their drawings built on input from more than 200 citizens who attended public forums this winter and spring. Some of the popular ideas, which the students refined based on public feedback: Replace the corner granite cube that glowers out at Broad and Spruce Streets. Create a transparent structure that would add a needed note of welcome to the...