United States
project
Temple University Mitchell and Hilarie Morgan Hall Complex
Morgan Hall North is North Philadelphia’s tallest building, at 27 stories, and occupies an entire city block. The post-tensioned concrete residential tower features a combination of singles, four-bed and five-bed apartment suites that are arranged like neighborhoods and accompanied by two-story glass-enclosed lounges. Morgan Hall South is a 10-story steel girder and concrete slab building with a retail center and nine floors of student housing above. A three-story steel and deck dining and retail hall provides seating for 700. The one-level below-grade parking garage connects the three buildings in the complex; its roof is topped with a 30,000sf roof terrace.
With 1,275 beds being constructed at the same time on an urban site, our team utilized “just-in-time” delivery to maximize efficiency on this 22-month fast-track project. Key materials were fitted with radio frequency identification tags, which enabled our team to track their progress at manufacturing plants and ensure they would arrive according to schedule.
During preconstruction our team evaluated alternative structural systems and building envelopes and was able to identify opportunities for significant cost savings. For example, we worked with MGA Partners to substitute a unitized curtain wall for the prefabricated metal wall panels on the façade. In close collaboration with MGA, our team also utilized virtual design and construction (VDC) to coordinate with trades early, which provided constructability analysis to the process earlier than usual.
The virtual model allowed temporary structures and mechanical systems to be threaded through three different structural systems; it showed where the façade clashed with post-tension cabling; as well as the placement of miscellaneous metals to remain exposed after the concrete pour to support interior walls. This reduced RFIs and change orders, resulting in savings for Temple University.
The virtual construction model was successfully used in planning the project logistics as well. The team was able to efficiently orient themselves with the site, determining laydown areas, placement of materials and equipment and the ultimate sequence of work.
The Morgan Hall complex achieved LEED Silver certification and supports Temple University’s 20/20 Masterplan, which focuses on pedestrian orientation and community engagement. As such:
- 95% of construction waste was diverted from landfills
- 30% reduction in energy consumption
- 20% of materials sourced regionally
- low-e and fritted glass calibrated for program use and exposure
- lighting controls for daylight harvesting and energy reduction
- high albedo roof and paving for reduced heat island effect
- rainwater harvested for irrigation and flushing at public restrooms
Click hereGo to https://housing.temple.edu/campus-living/residence-halls/morgan-hall for a 360° tour of Morgan Hall.
© Halkin Mason Photography
COMPANY
sectors
Architect
MGA Partners
Client
Temple University
Address
1601 and 1603 N. Broad Street
Location
Philadelphia, PA
SF
700,000sf
Owner’s Rep
AEGIS Property Group
Architect
MGA Partners
Contract
CM-at-Risk
