In Search of Program

First off, my apologies for the recent lack of submissions due to jury, but i have been doing some research and trying to sort things out. After last week's meeting, I am pretty stuck and confused as to which way to go program wise. I was originally leaning towards a singular building on the site (not sure which one) but turning it into a commemorative museum and recreation/park system to acknowledge the rich history of the area. Possibly a railroad museum, anthracite museum or maybe overall museum of industrialization. however, it was brought up that this may not be justified and proper for the site, nor be able to serve as a catalyst for the immediate area, or even city's turn around. Several things have been suggested by John Lisa and Andrew, such as a form of temporary architecture as communication between the opposite sides of the site and as a way to view the area due to its closed state. The main theme that seemed to appear, and seems the most relevant/interesting, is maintaining the site as a void, therefore preserving the memories of it in a literal sense, and allowing it to be remembered as the former industrial giant that it is.
A few case studies I have been looking at include the wrapping of the Reichstag by Christo. This project seems to have served as a metaphor symbolizing the rebirth of German government, or maybe even the 'wallpaper that covers the mistakes and cracks' of German history. It showed, or maybe just suggested that a structure this large, and of such importance, all of a sudden became more relevant and important to te society when it 'all of a sudden disappeared.'
This case study got me thinking back towards an art community of sorts. The site is massive, obviously, and will be a great challenge to deal with, but what if the layout of the site is continually changing at the hands of many different users. Possibly a large-scale art installation site? Larger installations will be easily fit into the site, and will also revert back to the covering up of the area. Installations can be constructed as, and integrated with, a temporary architecture, which will be constructed, thrive, and eventually move on, much like the railroad and its legacy. In this sense, the site can be concealed for a given length of time, users can traverse the land, separated from the railroad, and return to find a different layout than the last visit.
This can play into the shock and awe of a drastic alteration in the urban fabric, and be used as a way to bridge the gap created by the rail yard. Also, with the installations forming themselves around the site, the daily activities and operations can be continued, and the area tied together, while still increasing tourism and rehabilitation of the city.
Other suggestions, such as the semi-joke of a cemetary for veterans and housing for their families, seem a bit morbid for what is needed in the city, aside from the fact that these is a large cemetary immediatly adjacent to the Reading Yard.
More recent case studies include the previously mentioned Reichstag wrapping, the Trevi Fountain (with red water), The Sands Bethworks (master plan for the Bethlehem Steel, casino, retail and housing), Steamtown, Scranton, Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, North Philadelphia (and its former greatness), etc.
As far as site investigation, I still havent gotten a call back for site access, so I am calling more potential sources tomorrow and going to Reading Friday to attempt to speak with someone in person. Until then, more case studies and research.