University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania’s Quadrangle is a 500,000 SF undergraduate residential complex organized into 40 individual buildings that share interior circulation and a below-grade utility space. Buildings were built in stages from the late 1890s to the early 1950s and were unified via comprehensive renovations, the most recent of which took place from 1999-2006.

As part of the consultant team performing a Condition Assessment and Feasibility Analysis for programmatic and infrastructure updates, AKF conducted facility condition interviews, walkthroughs, and surveys to examine the Quad’s existing MEP / FP infrastructure. Findings were then discussed with a range of university stakeholders, allowing our team to develop a list of recommended infrastructure upgrades.

Following the condition assessment and feasibility study, AKF was hired to provide MEP / FP Engineering, Lighting Design, and Technology Design for the phased renovation. AKF’s design implements many of our proposed upgrades including:
Replacement of 15 outmoded AHUs with new four-pipe systems
New central plant equipment and distribution systems to serve AHUs
Reconditioning and replacement of existing terminal heating / cooling equipment
Replacement of double-ended substations to increase building resiliency and satisfy newer code requirements
Replacement of outmoded distribution panelboards
Extension of fire alarm coverage throughout the underground mechanical tunnels

Additionally, AKF used 3D Laser Scanning technology to capture existing conditions of the Quad’s lower-level service corridor spanning approximately 19,000 SF. Due to difficult conditions within the tunnel that caused other firms to pass on the project, AKF first performed a complimentary scan to ensure the scope captured would meet the project’s rigorous standards. Following a successful test scan, final 3D scans were performed over three sessions, covering approximately 6,500 SF per session.