Art Therapy Center for Recovering Addicts

Address: 532 Spruce St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106

This design aims to create a peaceful, safe environment for recovering addicts using design techniques that facilitate privacy and community. The goal was to create a semi-residential feeling in a commercial space in order for the user to be able to let their guard down and continue their healing process. This design relies on the architecture and site of the existing building to influence design decisions and provide an element of nature.

Site History

Historically this building was a place of protection and safety for people in need. Now a luxury apartment complex, The Gratz was formerly known as the Rebecca Gratz Club, named after Jewish philanthropist Rebecca Gratz (1781-1869). The Rebecca Gratz Club provided shelter for Jewish women and children. It was home to the Jewish Maternity Association of Philadelphia and prior to that, was an orphanage.