Synterra Ltd., combined its site design and planning skills with its unique ability to create advantages for public, pedestrian, consumer and client.

In response to a proposed vending ordinance in Philadelphia, Synterra, Ltd. was commissioned to conduct a site study and design a plan for efficiently accommodating campus vendors and pedestrian traffic on and near the vendor sites. The plan also preserves the character of the University of Pennsylvania campus -- and in fact improves certain aspects.

Starting from a survey of existing vendors, Synterra, Ltd. conducted a campus-wide search for suitable sites for vendor plazas. Through numerous meetings with the various stakeholders, such as student and faculty groups, the vendors, and the community, Synterra, Ltd. helped the University select five sites.

The plazas were designed so that they not only provided attractive fixed locations for the vendors, but also enhance the pedestrian experience on campus.

To paraphrase Synterra Project Coordinator, William Mellix, "[we] are trying to design fresh air food plazas that will look acceptable and aesthetically pleasing even when the vendors are closed."

With or without the vendors, the plazas deliver functional urban spaces that compliment and strengthen the character of the University of Pennsylvania.