AIA Philadelphia Presents Honor Award in the Built Category to DIGSAU Architects for Excellence in the Architectural Design of The Study at University City

PHILADELPHIA — (BUSINESS WIRE) — October 25, 2017 — The Philadelphia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects recognized DIGSAU and Hospitality3 with a prestigious citywide Architectural Excellence Design Honor Award in the built category for their design of the Study at University City. The boutique hotel opened in January 2017 at the crossroads of Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania in West Philadelphia.

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The Philadelphia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects recognized DIGSAU and Hospitality 3 with a prestigious citywide Architectural Excellence Design Honor Award in the built category for their design of the Study at University City. The boutique hotel opened in January 2017 at the crossroads of Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania in West Philadelphia. "The structure is a bold simple urban form clearly articulated above a pedestrian base, with thoughtful detailing and fenestration that create an elegant and active façade," commented the Architectural Excellence Award Jury, which was comprised of some of Chicago's leading architects. (Photo: Business Wire)

“The structure is a bold simple urban form clearly articulated above a pedestrian base, with thoughtful detailing and fenestration that create an elegant and active façade,” commented the Architectural Excellence Award Jury, which was comprised of some of Chicago’s leading architects.

“The design for the Study, a boutique hotel, grows from a sense of connectivity to the unique and vibrant spirit of Philadelphia’s University City and is organized as a simple podium and tower,” said Jeff Goldstein of DIGSAU. “The podium is comprised of distinct ‘pavilions’ containing the hotel’s major public spaces, each with a unique relationship to the adjacent sidewalk. The hotel’s guest rooms are housed in the tower, slightly rotated as a nod to the historic Woodland Walk, which runs diagonally through the Drexel and Penn campuses. The tower’s skin is a unique brick bond with a composition of three window types, animating the façade and diversifying the guest experience.”

“Our goal in the design of the building was to create a sophisticated urban hotel that calls attention to itself as a commanding, yet stylish form, with a strong connection to the street. The materiality of the building was conceived from several precedents found in the Philadelphia market; a composition of natural materials presented in a variety of finishes with metallic accents to create interest” said Paul McGowan, Hospitality 3 and Study Hotels President and Founder.

Each winning project was chosen for its design quality, response to its context and community, program resolution, innovation, thoughtfulness, and technique. Submitted projects had to be completed by AIA Philadelphia members. There were 150 entries. The winners range from temporary installations and exhibitions to large-scale urban interventions.

About DIGSAU

DIGSAU is a Philadelphia firm practicing contemporary architecture, urbanism and environmental design. Since its inception, the firm has been recognized with 35 state and local AIA awards and in 2013 was named one of North America’s “Emerging Voices” by the Architectural League of New York. Visit www.digsau.com to learn more.

About Hospitality 3 & Study Hotels

Hospitality 3 is a Manhattan based hotel and real estate development company founded in 2003 by its principal, Paul McGowan. Hospitality 3 focuses on developing and operating lifestyle-oriented projects in established and emerging markets.

Study Hotels is a lifestyle concept conceived to accommodate the needs of university markets by offering high quality full-service lodging. Visit www.hospitality3.com / www.studyhotels.com to learn more.

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