HWKN converts a paint factory into Upenn’s new state-of-the-art innovation hub

This recently completed state-of-the-art entrepreneurship and research center is a central innovation hub at the University of Pennsylvania campus in Philadelphia.

New York-based studio Hollwich Kushner transformed an old paint factory into a bold angular building that references the rawness of the former factory and aims to become an iconic landmark for the university. The project was designed in collaboration between Penn, Hollwich Kushner as design architects, KSS Architects, Land Collective, Bruce Mau Design, Ballinger, Focus and Atelier Ten.

The 58,000-square-foot Pennovation Center is located on a 23-acre campus at the University of Pennsylvania. Dedicated to entrepreneurship and innovation, the center accommodates efficient co-working areas, social spaces where entrepreneurs can collaborate and engage with their colleagues, a board room, a bar and bleacher seating where inventors can share ideas and pitch to inventors.

“Having personally navigated through the startup experience ourselves when we launched HWKN and Architizer, we understand the needs and challenges of emerging companies,” said Hollwich Kushner Principal Matthias Hollwich. “The building encapsulates the energy and productivity of Penn and Philadelphia, and in the near future will be directly contributing to both,” added Marc Kushner of Hollwich Kushner.