Since 1970, Pittsburgh has had bragging rights to a site that is singular in the entire world.

The problem is, nobody realized it.

At 64 stories, the U. S. Steel Tower is Pittsburgh’s largest and tallest office building.

Completed in August 1970, the iconic structure incorporated an innovative design and materials. But its most distinctive feature has long been hidden from sight.

*Emporis Gmbh

The U.S. Steel Tower’s triangular roof of nearly one acre is the “largest roof in the world at its height.”

The U. S. Steel Tower's footprint also mimics Pittsburgh’s Point in both outline and orientation.

THE BACKGROUND STORYIN AUGUST 2001 WHEN CLOSURE WAS ANNOUNCED FOR “TOP OF THE TRIANGLE” RESTAURANT ON 62ND FLOOR OF U. S. STEEL TOWER, DAVID BEAR, POST-GAZETTE TRAVEL EDITOR, WRITES COLUMN PROPOSING “PITTSBURGH PROMENADE.” THEN 9/11 DISASTER HAPPENED.

THE IDEA WAS SHELVED UNTIL SPRING 2007, WHEN UPMC LEASES THE 62ND FLOOR. BEAR WRITES SECOND COLUMN SUGGESTING A “UPMC PROMENADE” TO PROVIDE SOME PUBLIC ACCESS TO THE SPECACULAR VIEW. MORE THAN 3000 PG READERS RESPOND ENDORCING THE IDEA. SEVERAL WEEKS LATER WHILE LOOKING AT A SATELLITE IMAGE OF DOWNTOWN PITTSBURGH, BEAR NOTICES THE TOWER’S TRIANGUAL ONE-ACRE ROOF AND SEES THE POTENTIAL IT PRESENTS.

IN JANUARY 2009, THE STUDIO FOR CREATIVE INQUIRY AT CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY AWARDS BEAR A FELLOWSHIP TO INVESTIGATE THE POSSIBILITIES AND REALITIES OF TRANSFORMING THE ROOF INTO A PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE , ECOLOGICALLY AND ECONOMICALLY SELF-SUSTAINING FACILITY.

HIGHPOINTPARK

THE KEYCONCEPTS

321GET TO THE TOP

CONNECT TO PITTSBURGH’S GREEN FUTURE

TAKE A WALK IN THE SKY

GET TO THE TOPchanging perspectives

A four-season, all-weather built environment.Downtown first-day attraction and visitor center A premier gathering placeA center of southwestern PennsylvaniaAn “Urbanarium” with spectacular views of Pittsburgh and southwest Pennsylvania. A celestial observatoryProduct of a unique public/private partnership

TAKE A WALK IN THE SKY experience “High Point”

The highest green space in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the United States and the World!An exploration center where residents and visitors can learn about Pittsburgh’s story and be connected to its many cultural and recreational assets. A fair weather multi-purpose venue open to sky and cityA spectacular setting for social events and business gatheringsA visible focus for civic pride.

CONNECT TO PITTSBURGH’S GREEN FUTURE energy, resources, & landscape

Interactive learning environment where students and visitors can connect to area environmental initiativesInnovation showcase for regional, green partners, manufacturers and productsDemonstration site of sustainable strategies for architectural and engineering design, energy production, and other leading technologiesIncorporation of cutting-edge, energy-producing technologies to create “Downtown Dynamo”

?WHAT CAN WE DO HERE?

WHAT WE NEED TO INVESTIGATE.

THE USEOCCUPANCY AND PROGRAMACCESS AND LOGISTICS

THE STRUCTURE AND SPACEMATERIALS AND SYSTEMSSTRUCTURE, ENCLOSURE, CONVEYANCE, ACCESS, GREEN ROOF, SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGIESCONSTRUCTABILITY

THE OPERATIONSCONSTRUCTION AND OPERATING COSTSLEGAL AND REGULATORY HURDLESCREATION OF AN ORGANIZATIONAL ENTITYMANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONSMARKETING AND FUNDRAISING

!HIGH POINT PARK:IMAGINE WHAT WE

CAN DO HERE.

HIGHPOINTPARK

INVESTIGATIONhighpointpark@cmu.edu 412.268.3453

Carnegie Mellon University participantsDavid Bear: STUDIO for Creative Inquiry FellowDaniel Nagin: University Professor, Heinz CollegeBob Bingham: Professor, School of ArtChristine Mondor: Professor, School of ArchitectureMatthew Dooley: Adjunct Professor, Heinz CollegePittsburgh ParticipantsRay Werner: Creative Consultant Jim Rogal: Century CommunicationsJamie Clemente: McCamish

STUDIO for Creative Inquiry administrationGolan Levin: STUDIO Director and Associate Professor School of ArtMargaret Myers: Associate DirectorJennifer Brodt: Business Manager