Arena as civic icon | An Arena for All

The proposed arena is to be built on public land. It will be the gateway to the city for transit riders arriving from the station below. It will be a commanding presence on East Market Street, and it will be built amidst buildings of distinction. Therefore, the proposed arena must be more than just a sports venue. It must be iconic — a true civic landmark.

Unfortunately, the current design falls short. How can we ensure the arena is a bold piece of architecture that inspires civic pride, reflects Philadelphia’s unique character, and sets the tone for the future development of Market East?

Philadelphia has a strong tradition of architectural excellence across every generation of its history. On East Market Street alone, consider the triumphalism of city’s Second Empire City Hall, the crafted grandeur of the Industrial Age Reading Terminal headhouse, or the soaring elegance of the International Style PSFS Building. These are not just structures, but symbols of civic ambition that have stood the test of time. The arena requires a similar architectural response — to succeed as both a venue for the Sixers and as a Philadelphia landmark.

The current design proposal appears as a stand-alone suburban arena swathed in bright digital signage despite its urban setting. It suggests a building that prioritizes function over inspiration. The facade should communicate, “This is Center City Philadelphia”; instead, it could easily be in any other sports complex in any other American city or suburb.

Market Street deserves better.

A building of 76 Place’s scale and prominence will inevitably shape perceptions of Market Street and the city. Done well, the arena could inspire investment and revitalize Market Street. Otherwise, it risks becoming an aloof monolith that separates rather than unites.

Lessons from other cities highlight the transformative power of bold, thoughtful design. The striking and sensuous presence of Brooklyn’s Barclays Center is largely due to its pre-rusted exterior metal skin and broad opening that creates a permeable and pedestrian-centric perimeter. The commitment to quality and innovative design — using materials evocative of the borough’s industrial heritage — come together to make this a visually arresting piece of architecture that has solidified the Barclays Center’s position as a New York City landmark.

San Francisco’s Chase Center conveys a similar iconic presence along the waterfront while also being integrated into the urban fabric of Mission Bay. The arena employs high-quality materials reminiscent of its surroundings, offers expansive exterior public plazas, and uses transparent design elements to connect the arena’s interior with its surroundings.

Incorporating a sports arena into the urban fabric is no small task. Achieving similar ambitions for 76 Place requires a commitment to design excellence by the developer, the design team, and city leaders. An arena is a massive building that must function seamlessly to maximize the fan experience. The arena must also achieve something intangible — it must become a place where memories are made and where the city’s collective identity is reflected.

Can 76 Place achieve this goal? We should ask the following questions:

Can the building be constructed of materials of lasting significance that set a high bar for design excellence? Building materials should convey quality, authenticity, and a connection to Philadelphia. The proposed use of wood panels — real or simulated — has little precedence in Center City and raises questions about lasting durability. Instead, contextual materials like brick, stone, or metal — or cutting-edge tectonics — could reflect the city’s character and our aspirations in innovative and contemporary ways.

Can the design be more transparent to foster openness and connectivity? The placement of significant amounts of operational facilities on the ground floor creates a visual barrier from the street that could make the arena feel closed off and disconnected. While the current proposal includes upper-floor transparency along Market Street, the concept should be pushed further. Additional expansive glass elements, strategic setbacks, and inviting entrances can allow eventgoers and the public to engage with the energy of the arena, creating a connection both inside and out.

Can the incorporation of public art make the arena a “must-see” destination and live up to the city’s excellence in civic artwork? From the LOVE statue to the Clothespin and the many murals that dot our neighborhoods, Philadelphia has a rich tradition of public art. Incorporating bold public art into the arena’s design would honor this legacy and ground the arena in the sweep of Philadelphia’s history and culture.

The stakes are high. This is no ordinary site. This is the heart of Center City, the crossroads of commerce, culture, and public life. The arena should be a landmark that Philadelphians cherish, that embodies the spirit of the city, and that showcases the best of what our city can offer. Let us challenge the developers of 76 Place to think boldly, draw inspiration from Philadelphia’s unique identity, and commit to a vision that creates a positive legacy.

Architecture speaks across generations. What will the arena say about us?

Harris M. Steinberg, a fellow of the American Institute of Architects, is the executive director of the Lindy Institute for Urban Innovation at Drexel University. To learn more about these principles and our analysis, visit the Lindy Institute’s Civic Design Studio website.