Swarthmore College commissioned SALT DESIGN STUDIO to design the landscape surrounding its new arts and sciences facility at Whittier Hall. Home to the renowned Scott Arboretum—spanning over 300 acres of curated plant collections—Swarthmore is celebrated for its deep commitment to sustainability and environmental education.

SALT proposed a new plaza, path system and campus garden to accompany the new academic building. The courtyard design reflects the architectural geometry of the new building through structured bands of planting, forming a richly textured and intimate space for gathering and reflection. A sophisticated plant palette of cool blues and greens, punctuated by bursts of chartreuse and gold, complements the building materials and offers year-round visual interest. The courtyard also serves as a dynamic outdoor gallery, offering students a flexible venue to display artwork in a living, evolving landscape.

Collaborators: JacobsWyper Architects

Status: Construction Completed June 2017

Photography: Charles Uniatowski