David Hollenberg's vision for the future appearance of Penn has some things old, some things new, some things borrowed and some things - green.
As the new university architect, Hollenberg plans to mix his ideals of urban design with the realities of University City and Philadelphia.
He joins Penn's administration at the cusp of its largest expansion project in a century, when next year, the University will acquire 24 acres to the east of its current campus from the U.S. Postal Service.
His vision, he says, is a combination of preserving Penn's historic buildings, jump-starting construction on new development and creating more open spaces. Although he did not help craft the proposal for campus expansion presented to the University trustees this summer, he will be responsible for making it happen.
Unlike the work of past University architects, though, his vision will be under public scrutiny from the beginning.
Few parts of the plan have met resistance, but Hollenberg said he will never stop listening to groups interested in the project.
City officials have "been well versed in the plan and are quite enthusiastic," Hollenberg said. "But as the details evolve, there will have to be more cooperation."
University President Amy Gutmann echoed the necessity for continued communication between Hollenberg's office and the city.
"As our plan has developed, we got incredibly powerful support from the city because we worked in consultation with community and city groups," Gutmann said.
The very first step of the campus expansion plan - creation of public open spaces on over 17 acres of land - is in line with this priority.
The "ambitious network of pathways and public amenities, green space and plazas" will benefit Philadelphians and students alike, Hollenberg said.
Although the Office of the University Architect rarely designs buildings or landscapes, it is responsible for picking who does.
In searching for the right architects and designers, Hollenberg said that his office is "looking for buildings by the best."
The current database of architects to which Penn turns will be updated significantly, Hollenberg said. Nearly 100 firms, many of which have never worked with Penn, have already been added.
Even though the new land will likely draw famous firms eager to make their mark, reputation will not determine which architects are chosen, Hollenberg said.
He says he also hopes to involve students in the planning process.
For instance, students in the School of Design may be tapped for design competitions or discussions in the future, Hollenberg said.
Despite all the buzz surrounding Penn's eastward move, Hollenberg said the University's character is not merely defined by where it is headed, but also by its oldest buildings.
A historic preservationist by training, Hollenberg says that maintaining existing buildings will always be a priority.
And they are a financial priority as well, University officials say.
Executive Vice President Craig Carnaroli said that Penn spends around $150 to $200 million on building upkeep annually, which will not change once construction begins on the new property.
Despite publicity surrounding the expansion plan, Hollenberg insists that maintaining "Penn-ness" - his term for the University's distinct aesthetic character - is his ultimate goal.
"I'm not looking for some huge captivating gesture here," he said. "It's more an accumulation of smart moves that makes a terrific place."
