Teaming up with Pharrell Williams, internationally renowned architect Chad Oppenheim is unveiling a visionary youth center that inspires to aspire. After meeting at Art Basel in 2008, Pharrell and Chad quickly realized they shared designs to make the world a better place, starting in Pharrell's hometown of Virginia Beach. Chad's eco-treehouse conce... read more

Teaming up with Pharrell Williams, internationally renowned architect Chad Oppenheim is unveiling a visionary youth center that inspires to aspire. After meeting at Art Basel in 2008, Pharrell and Chad quickly realized they shared designs to make the world a better place, starting in Pharrell's hometown of Virginia Beach. Chad's eco-treehouse concept will become a place for kids to escape and imagine—The Pharrell Williams Resource Center (working name).

Kiehl’s signed on to support the Center's construction, largely in part due to its environmentally consciousness (with sustainable materials and forest integration) and eco-celebrity Pharrell. Kiehl's will make an official announcement in May.

I would like to give you advance access and details to this important and visionary project. Full details and a rendering are attached.


Title: Pharrell Williams Resource Center

Scope: architecture, interior design

Location: Virginia Beach, VA

Description:

A small forest on an open prairie, some how saved from the plundering of over development is the setting we chose for locating the PWRC.  Instead of observing the forest, we decided to engage and enhance it— fully celebrating the wonders of the natural world.  The 30,000SF facility is designed to empower the youth of Virginia Beach to reach their maximum potential- to give them a safe and nurturing environment to uncover and tune their passions.  Rectilinear volume of different proportion and different reclaimed materials dance with and through the native trees, reconsidering a harmonious fusion between man and nature- a passion shared by both Pharrell and Chad.    

Materials:
•    High fly-ash content Concrete
•    High content of Recycled Steel,
•    Reclaimed Local Woods, Metal, and Stone
•    High Performance Glass

Sustainability:
•    Wind turbines
•    Photovoltaics
•    Geothermal
•    Reclaimed/ Recycled Materials
•    Use of indigenous plantings
•    Integration with nature

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