Greening the Morgue Plaza

Working with Apostolou Associates, Origin 4 Design participated in redesign efforts at the downtown Allegheny County Morgue.  Currently, the historic morgue interior is being redesigned and updated for County Legal Offices. The rear of the building would require a plaza for individuals seeking services as well as County employees. 

The plaza was to be situated in the current hardscape.  It presently functions as parking and vehicular access to the Morgue and offers no integration of desired plant material.

After talking with the County, Apostolou Architects learned that the most desired use is a green plaza, complete with innovations in stormwater management and plant material functionality.  Origin 4 Design began exploring ways to work within the existing site constraints of grade and neighboring structures to produce an aesthetic, functioning site with year-round interest and ADA accessibility. 

Unfortunately, design did not advance beyond our concept and form study.  We were notified that the County budget fell short for the project, placing an indefinate hold on the plaza.