Sited along Boathouse Row in Philadelphia, PA, Lloyd Hall was expected to serve a variety of needs. Funded jointly by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the City of Philadelphia it also needed to be durable enough to withstand the rigors of a demanding public, seven days a week. "We designed Lloyd Hall to be as multi-functional as possible," says Lisa Armstrong, AIA, Armstrong Kaulbach Architects (now known as AKA), Philadelphia, PA. "It is intended to be all things to all people, while having a highly crafted design to fit in with Boathouse Row. Aesthetically, we were trying to make a statement in connecting with the past and the present, while also reflecting the needs and the look of the future."

The two-story, 12,000-square foot building features a grand gymnasium, restrooms, banquet facilities, cafe concessions, information center and balcony. Outside, there are accommodations for a large public terrace, stepping down to the water's edge.

The 4,500-square foot gymnasium, Lloyd Hall's focal point, houses events ranging from basketball games to weddings. It required materials that were vandal-resistant yet attractive. To meet the dual requirements of high-durability and pleasing aesthetics, Armstrong specified solid glass block for three of the gym's four walls. From both interior and exterior vantage points, the solid glass block is visually appealing while connoting the sense of openness. The solid glass block transmits 80 percent of available light in both directions, while brightening the interior with natural light. A variety of traditional glazing options were ruled out because of vandalism concerns. "If we didn't use glass block, we would be looking at a rec center without windows, which would not be appropriate for the park setting," said Armstrong.