SISTER CITIES GARDEN
Logan Square, one of the original squares of William Penn and home to the spectacular Swann Fountain, designed by Alexander Stirling Calder and Wilson Eyre, is one of Philadelphia’s most iconic open spaces. The recent renovations of the Logan Square landscape strive to respect the original purpose of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway while addressing the 21st Century challenges of automobiles and pedestrians in urban open spaces.
There is power in simplicity, and the simple, flexible space at Sister Cities Garden has transformed the park into a preferred destination for a wide variety of people. Water features, gardens, seating, and a pavilion invite neighbors, families, tourists, and professionals into the space throughout the day. Natural materials, like rocks, water, soil, and plants, support learning and enrichment for children of all ages. In part due to the simplicity of the space and materials used in the garden’s construction, Sister Cities Garden at Logan Square is not only a destination but one of the most active urban parks in Philadelphia.
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Awards: PA/DE ASLA Merit Award, General Design; International Downtown Association Merit Award; ULI Philadelphia Willard Rouse III Award for Design Excellence
Photography: Halkin Mason Photography; Barrett Dougherty