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Alice Paul Residence Hall

Swarthmore, PA
William Rawn Associates, Architects, Inc.

A new residence hall reflects Quaker minimalism and reinforces college mentoring.

This 75-bed residence hall establishes a new academic community at the front end of Parrish Lawn, Swarthmore’s iconic open space facing town.  At 30,000 square feet, Alice Paul Hall, the first phase of a two-building project centered on a three-sided courtyard (Phase II with another 75 beds), is currently under construction.

Alice Paul Residence Hall
Photo © Robert Benson Photography

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Photo © Robert Benson Photography
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The elemental massing and taut stone skin of the new building embody the minimalist values of this Quaker institution, providing a boldly contemporary form which feels at home on this historic campus.  This building extends Swarthmore’s stone tradition beyond the local rubble “schist” by employing a similarly colored but denser Swiss “quartzite,” which is diamond cut to reveal its highly variegated texture.

This building was designed to create a strong sense of community, supporting Swarthmore’s rigorous academic mission. Departing from national trends toward increased privacy within suites or apartments, this building incorporates a new prototype for a residential floor, combining four different-sized singles and doubles.  This carefully calibrated mix of room types (including two-story duplex rooms overlooking a green roof) ensures that each floor will house students from all classes, reinforcing Swarthmore’s mentoring traditions. The building further supports an active hall life with wide corridors filled with natural light and hall lounges on each floor.

Formal name of project: Alice Paul Residence Hall

Location: Swarthmore PA

Gross square footage: 29,900 gsq.ft.

Completion Date: August 2004

Total construction cost: $8.9 Million

Owner: Swarthmore College

Architect:
William Rawn Associates, Architects, Inc.
10 Post Office Square, Suite 1010
Boston, MA 02109 
Tel. 617.423.3470
Fax 617.451.9205
www.rawnarch.com/

 

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