David Hollenberg - Penn's new Unversity architect - is all about "Penn-ness."
It's an undefinable word Hollenberg uses to describe the aesthetic heart of Penn's campus - an undefinable mixture of architectural styles and eras.
Hollenberg - who began the job in June - is now faced with the unique task of preserving "Penn-ness," as the University embarks on a historic period of expansion, building and preservation.
Construction will begin this year on Penn's 30-year eastward expansion plan, and Hollenberg will not only oversee these beginning phases, but also the hiring of architects and planners that will shape the long-term future of the plan as well.
His office will also continue its job of overseeing the preservation of Penn's historic buildings, and the upkeep of all facilities on campus.
Coming out of a career as Director of Design, Construction and Facility Management for the Northeast region of the National Parks Service, Hollenberg said now was the right time to take on University City.
After past University Architect Charlie Newman - who had studied with Hollenberg at Penn's School of Design - announced his plans to retire two years ago, he approached Hollenberg about the job.
The timing was perfect.
Hollenberg said that his job as director with the National Parks Service was moving him away from individual projects, such as a Gettysburg museum and Independence Park, which had been his passion.
"I lost my sense of place," he said. "It was hard to feel a personal connection to a lot of projects; they became descriptions on a spreadsheet."
Craig Carnaroli - Penn's executive vice president - said in an e-mail interview that Hollenberg was the ideal choice for the position because of his experience managing large-scale projects, his contacts within the architecture and design communities, and his history with Penn.
The six month-long search process was "highly competitive," Carnaroli said, but Hollenberg ultimately was picked as the right person for the job.
Hollenberg has "a stellar reputation both technically as a collaborator, problem solver and his passion for his work," Carnaroli said.
Hollenberg said that no other university "on the planet" besides Penn would have pulled him away from his job, however.
As a Penn alumnus, Philadelphia resident and active participant in Philadelphia's city planning committees, Penn offered a unique opportunity for Hollenberg.
His position as a lecturer within the School of Design's Historic Preservation program also meant Hollenberg was not only familiar with current campus construction projects, but also the state of all the historic buildings on campus.
David DeLong - acting director of the School of Design's Historic Preservation program - said that Hollenberg's experience in a variety of planning and preservation settings made him ideal for the position.
"He understands the importance of historic buildings, but he also understands the need for change," said DeLong, who has also been a long-time friend and colleague of Hollenberg's.
"He is really a nice guy, he's not just diplomatic," he added. "We're very lucky to have him."
