Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Lenfest Plaza

In between the iconic Frank Furness building and the Hamilton Building, PAFA is transforming Cherry Street into a sort of arts campus. The pedestrianization of this street has included new seating and pavers, along with upgraded drainage and plantings. The ‘Paint Torch,’ designed by sculptor Claes Oldenburg is the centerpiece, with CVM designing the key elements to make the torch stand upright.

CVM met with and worked directly with Mr. Oldenburg and the fabricators of the sculpture. The foundation utilizes micro-piles and a concrete pile cap to resist the constant desire of the sculpture to rotate and lift out of the ground, amidst a sea of underground utilities in Cherry Street.

Location: Philadelphia, PA
Landscape Architect:
OLIN