Upenn PCC Expansion

Bringing the outside, indoors

Philadelphia, PA | 30,000 SF

The Penn Children’s Center (PCC) offers a play-based curriculum for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, serving families employed by the University of Pennsylvania or residing in the university neighborhood. Facing challenges with waitlists, the Center requested that HSA explore expansion opportunities.

To better accommodate prospective families, the proposed design doubles the Center’s overall footprint and includes 23 classrooms—11 more than the current state. HSA developed phasing strategies to keep the Center operational during construction. Given the limited natural light in the basement-level space, HSA intentionally integrated a design that brings the outdoors in.

To foster learning through play, the design prioritizes recreational spaces both indoors and outdoors, proposing an additional 11,230 square feet of outdoor playground space and ample indoor areas for gross motor activities. The space plan was also refined to ensure compliance with IBC 2018 and PA Title 55, Chapter 3270 Child Care Centers.