The project team shares their unique challenges in designing and constructing a museum in this historic area of Philadelphia. Public comments were incorporated into the exterior building design that incorporates architectural precast concrete. Site conditions, code regulations, and artifact exhibits required creative solutions to meet budget and schedule requirements.

Learning Objectives

• Experience the working relationship between design and construction parties with the local municipality to meet code and site requirements. 
• Discuss logistical challenges to incorporate artifacts into exhibits and meet life safety and other interior system requirements. 
• Review the building enclosure system selected to meet budget, schedule, environmental, and structural integrity requirements for the site. 
• Learn how incorporating precast contributed to the durability, sustainability, energy efficiency and safety of the building. At the same time, the plasticity of precast concrete allowed us to achieve a high level of design detail and character for the building that couldn’t be matched by other materials. 

Kirsti Bracali | Dan Bosin Associates
Kirsti is a registered Architect, magna cum laude graduate of Drexel University and Principal at Dan Bosin Associates.  She spent 12 years as an Architect designing K-12 schools, University buildings, public housing, exhibits at the Philadelphia Zoo and other commercial projects. 

Bill Hydock | Universal Concrete Products
Bill is a Preconstruction Manager at Universal Concrete Products located in Stowe, Pennsylvania. Universal Concrete Products was founded in 1967 and has over 55 years of architectural precast experience with many award-winning buildings constructed across numerous building applications including institutional projects, K-12 schools, multifamily structures, and office buildings. 

Phil Moses | INTECH Construction
Phil is President of INTECH. He has a background in engineering and business with a hands-on career in project management.  Phil’s experience with cultural, academic, healthcare, residential, and corporate clients demonstrates his proven ability to oversee a range of complex projects, coordinating large teams with insightful collaboration. 

Dennis Sagiev | Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA) 
Dennis is a Senior Associate and has been with RAMSA since 1996. During this time, he has been involved in the design and management of various institutional and academic projects, including the LEED Silver North Hall and Library at Bronx Community College for DASNY, in Bronx, NY; The Commons, a 1,135-bed student residences and Performing Arts Center for Villanova University in Villanova, PA. 

Alex Stadel, PE | Keast & Hood Structural Engineers
Alex is an Associate at Keast & Hood with over a decade of experience delivering transformative structural engineering projects for cultural and educational institutions.

The Museum of the American Revolution uncovers and shares compelling stories about the diverse people and complex events that sparked America’s ongoing experiment in liberty, equality, and self-government. Through the Museum’s unmatched collection, immersive galleries, powerful theater experiences, and interactive elements, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for how this nation came to be and feel inspired to consider their role in ensuring that the promise of the American Revolution endures.

Located just steps away from Independence Hall, the Museum serves as a portal to the region’s many Revolutionary sites, sparking interest, providing context, and encouraging exploration.