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 STORY IN AUGUST 2001 WHEN CLOSURE WAS ANNOUNCED FOR “TOP OF THE TRIANGLE” RESTAURANT ON 62 ND 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.

HIGH POINT PARK

THE KEY CONCEPTS

3 2 1 GET TO THE TOP CONNECT TO PITTSBURGH’S GREEN FUTURE TAKE A WALK IN THE SKY

GET TO THE TOP changing perspectives A four-season, all-weather built environment. Downtown first-day attraction and visitor center A premier gathering place A center of southwestern Pennsylvania An “Urbanarium” with spectacular views of Pittsburgh and southwest Pennsylvania. A celestial observatory Product 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 city A spectacular setting for social events and business gatherings A 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 initiatives Innovation showcase for regional, green partners, manufacturers and products Demonstration site of sustainable strategies for architectural and engineering design, energy production, and other leading technologies Incorporation of cutting-edge, energy-producing technologies to create “Downtown Dynamo”

? WHAT CAN WE DO HERE?

WHAT WE NEED TO INVESTIGATE.

THE USE OCCUPANCY AND PROGRAM ACCESS AND LOGISTICS THE STRUCTURE AND SPACE MATERIALS AND SYSTEMS STRUCTURE, ENCLOSURE, CONVEYANCE, ACCESS, GREEN ROOF, SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGIES CONSTRUCTABILITY THE OPERATIONS CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATING COSTS LEGAL AND REGULATORY HURDLES CREATION OF AN ORGANIZATIONAL ENTITY MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS MARKETING AND FUNDRAISING

! HIGH POINT PARK: IMAGINE WHAT WE CAN DO HERE. HIGH POINT PARK INVESTIGATION Carnegie Mellon University participants David Bear: STUDIO for Creative Inquiry Fellow Daniel Nagin: University Professor, Heinz College Bob Bingham: Professor, School of Art Christine Mondor: Professor, School of Architecture Matthew Dooley: Adjunct Professor, Heinz College Pittsburgh Participants Ray Werner: Creative Consultant Jim Rogal: Century Communications Jamie Clemente: McCamish STUDIO for Creative Inquiry administration Golan Levin: STUDIO Director and Associate Professor School of Art Margaret Myers: Associate Director Jennifer Brodt: Business Manager