AKA University City recently announced its newly-formed partnership with internationally renowned Italian architect and designer, Piero Lissoni. This dynamic collaboration comes as a part of Philadelphia’s most anticipated new project, AKA University City.
The residences at AKA University City lie at the heart of Cira Centre South—Brandywine Realty Trust’s groundbreaking 830,000 square foot mixed-use building and Philadelphia’s first vertical neighborhood. The upper 19 stories of the tower will feature brand new ultra-luxury residential offerings ranging from hotel suites to apartment residences along with Level 28, an entire floor dedicated to wellness, as well as lifestyle-enhancing amenities and services. Piero Lissoni Associati’s interior design for AKA University City will seamlessly complement the building’s architectural vision, imagined and executed by architectural firms Pelli Clarke Pelli and BLTa.
“Piero Lissoni is undoubtedly the ideal design partner for this world-class project. Lissoni’s distinct minimalistic approach and mastery of proportion is harmonious with the AKA brand’s architecture and design philosophy that translates throughout all of our accommodations around the globe. Lissoni is celebrated around the world for never designing for a specific function or purpose, but for his ability to design for human beings,” said Larry Korman, President of AKA.
A streamlined sensibility of timeless elegance and sophistication is united by the finest materials in the world. The Lissoni team spent hours with Italy’s leading furniture manufacturers to hand-select the highest-quality materials and textiles—from the distinct grains of wood to the fabrics in natural materials including wool, linen and cotton. Sculptural, intimate lighting from Italy’s top manufacturers is a key component to Lissoni’s distinctive design mood within each space.
Located on floors 29 through 46, the residences at AKA University City boast expansive 10-foot ceilings and some of the city’s highest and most striking panoramic views. The spacious studio, one- and two-bedroom, and Penthouse residences feature wide-plank Italian white oak flooring accompanied by open living and dining areas ideal for entertaining. Kitchens are clad in custom Italian cabinetry, with premium stainless steel appliances.
An entire club level for resident wellness, relaxation and enjoyment has been designed by Lissoni, which includes an indoor 72-foot aerial pool; AKA’s signature amenity, a.lounge, which opens onto a.terrace, a four-season greenscaped oasis with endless sightlines and cozy fire pits soaring 400 feet above street level; a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness center; private dining and conference areas; a.cinema, a private theater with fully automated leather seating, complete surround sound, an extensive film library and curated film screenings; advanced business center services; and a 3-D indoor golf simulator. Best-in-class amenities will also include a soon-to-be-announced nationally-acclaimed indoor/outdoor restaurant and bar, and Cira Green – the city’s first elevated park. AKA University City is expected to open summer 2016.
