Oval+ is a groundbreaking series of temporary urban interventions that transformed Philadelphia’s  Benjamin Franklin Parkway into an accessible, vibrant, and pedestrian-focused  public space. Over three consecutive summers (2017–2019), PORT collaborated with the Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation to explore the Parkway’s potential as a civic hub through reusable and  modifiable designs.

As a public realm design  practice, PORT utilized short-term activations to instantly transform  underused city-owned land, creating excitement for what could be. Moving away  from the wasteful pop-up park model, Oval+ introduced temporary installations  that were both adaptable and impactful, building momentum and community  support for the Parkway’s permanent reconfiguration. These activations  included over-scaled bespoke urban furnishings, vibrant ground-painted  graphics, interactive programming, and participatory events. The designs  elevated public imagination for the Parkway, demonstrating how it could  better serve Philadelphia’s residents as a place devoted to civic life.

The installations succeeded  in reducing vehicular dominance, fostering equitable pedestrian and cyclist  access, and introducing dynamic new programming across the Parkway. Public engagement efforts, including surveys, workshops, and collaborations with academic partners, revealed overwhelming support for these transformations, with many participants advocating for the changes to become permanent.