Location: Swarthmore College, Pennsylvania
Area: 15,000 GSF
Dates: Opened Summer 2013
Client: Swarthmore College
LEED: Designed to LEED CI Standards
In 2012 Swarthmore College began a process to strengthen their physical and social “town and gown” relations, promoting collaboration, communication, and opportunities for intellectual engagement involving the entire Swarthmore community. A first step was their purchase of a four story building on the "town” side of campus as a new home for the Development and Alumni Relations offices. BCJ and CVMNext worked collaboratively with the Development leadership, staff, and Facilities to craft an agile workplace that was flexible, open and inviting. With an emphasis on daylighting and views towards the campus, the layout allows staff space to balance shared workspace while still providing required privacy for sensitive phone conversations and data. This move was a major cultural shift for the staff; bringing them into the design process was a vital piece of the ultimate resounding approval of their new offices. A further benefit of this engaging design-build project was the essence of sustainability that ran throughout, ranging from the recycling of an existing building to using all repurposed furniture. The final result is a light filled, flexible and friendly workspace that enhances productively and community.
Kelly Vresilovic completed this project while a Senior Associate at Bohlin Cywinski Jackson.