Swarthmore Dining Hall

500 College Ave
Swarthmore, Pennsylvania 19081

The landmark Sharples Dining Hall has played a significant role in shaping the Swarthmore student experience since 1964. The beloved facility became too small to house the growing student body comfortably, and institution leadership wanted a solution that reflects the College’s student life and food service values. Our design team sought perspectives and insights through an in-depth 360-degree engagement process. This included campus immersion by the planning and design team via student, faculty, staff, and administration interviews; student focus groups; town hall meetings; and campus workshops. The resulting design concept is a carbon-neutral dining facility. The community commons space has enhanced opportunities for socialization that respect the historic character while elevating student life. A diverse range of spaces is available for multiple uses – from individual study to small group or large team activities – and integrated technology allows for continuous connectivity throughout the building.

DLR Group provided architectural programming, sustainability programming, lighting and low-voltage programming, campus engagement, architecture, interior design, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and high-performance design.