Suisman selected to help link cultural assets on Pittsburgh’s North Side

The Childrens Museum of Pittsburgh has selected Suisman Urban Design to lead one of four design teams examining prospects for urban revitalization in Pittsburgh’s North Side district. The museum is one of a number of nationally recognized cultural institutions on the North Side, including the Andy Warhol Museum and the Mattress Factory arts center; the museum itself recently won an AIA National Award for its addition and renovation designed by Koning/Eisenberg. The Suisman team, which includes RAND Corporation and Pure Design, will look at the North Side’s origins as Allegheny City and its unique 36-block core surrounded by the historic Allegheny Commons. The team will propose strategies for restoring the old grid, infilling the area with new buildings and uses, and linking the district’s many cultural, historic, and landmark destinations. The other three teams include Pentagram (New York), MUF (London), and a university consortium (Syracuse). The work of all the teams is expected to be exhibited at the Childrens Museum in February 2007.