Robertson and South Halls, Muhlenberg College
Allentown, Pa.
EwingCole

New dorms create a community at the edge of campus

© Catherine Tighe

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Muhlenberg College commissioned EwingCole to design the first phase of a multi-phase residential initiative. The college wanted to provide an attractive living alternative for juniors and seniors who usually want to move off campus. Accordingly, the architects pursued a "house scheme" in designing the Robertson and South Halls.

The new 140-person dorms are divided into smaller houses of 32 to 36 students—roughly the size of a fraternity or sorority. Each two-story house is comprised of suites that contain four single-occupancy rooms, a kitchenette, a living area, and a bathroom. The houses share circulation and main gathering spaces; they all open onto a stepped courtyard and grass amphitheater.

Situated on a steep hillside with views of the Lehigh Valley, the two residence halls add new depth to a previously unusable portion of campus. They also serve as visual focal points along a new inner plaza. The plaza lends itself easily to outdoor activities on the campus and is oriented toward the core campus, which is defined by a quadrangle of traditional brick buildings.

Formal name of Project:
Robertson and South Halls, Muhlenberg College

Location:
Allentown, Pa.

Gross square footage:
71,000 sq. ft.

Total construction cost:
$12.9 Million

Owner:
Muhlenberg College

Architect:
EwingCole
100 North 6th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: 215-923-2020
Fax: 215-351-5346
ewingcole.com