While visiting Philadelphia, I had some time to go to the headquarters of Anthropologie, Free People and Urban Outfitters, known as URBN.
Located within the Navy Yard,
now known as the Philadelphia Naval Business Center,
it's comprised of former naval buildings,
all of which were bought for just dollars!
They were then remodeled and recycled
into incredible and beautiful buildings,
with as much of their past kept intact as possible.
The public is able to go into
the building that houses
the company's food court, coffee bar,
library and workout area.
Here's the vibrant main entrance -
wow, this is some wallflower!
This building has loads of exposed beams,
and a nod to it's naval past, with nautical relics,
such as this gigantic anchor chain.
And to naturally recycle the air,
some really large hanging plants.
Next to them, something else recycled -
an old iron wheel, made into a cool,
and extremely huge, chandelier!
There are also wispy bamboo trees,
covered by stone patterns on the ground,
as you turn the corner, and
walk into the main part of the building,
where there are creative areas,
such as this Japanese Koi pond, all around.
But, of course, you wouldn't expect anything less!
Look at these humongous pipes!
Above them is the workout area -
how lucky are the employees to be able to exercise
here in this cool atmosphere?!
All of these great, tall windows and clerestories
let natural sunlight into the entire building,
including this food court area,
which is so nice, open and airy.
And leading into this food court,
is another entrance from the outside,
loaded with more nautical goodies.
Buoy, do I LOVE this area! Lol
Just opposite the wall of buoys is
a study in cool classrooms!
All of the exposed beams and pipes overhead,
along with the reclaimed wood on the floors below
are so wonderful.
Visiting URBN was, and is,
such creative inspiration for me.
So go over to the Navy Yard area when in Philadelphia,
and enjoy your own inspiration, then...
... come along for the ride!
