For decades, Sharples Dining Hall was a beloved campus landmark, fostering connection and tradition. As Swarthmore’s student body grew, the College envisioned a dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable dining hub – transforming the historic facility into Sharples Commons while introducing a new dining center to serve the evolving campus needs. Our design achieves this vision through a bold architectural statement centered around mass timber, creating a warm, biophilic environment that promotes student well-being while advancing the College’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2035. The project is also targeting Living Building Challenge Petal Certification, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.

Designed as more than just a dining facility, the Dining Center and revitalized Sharples Commons redefine the student experience. Transparency and connectivity are central to the design, with expansive glazing, soaring ceilings, and natural materials underlining a strong sense of place within the landscape of the Scott Arboretum. A deeply collaborative engagement process – including over 500 individual interviews and student-led workshops – informed the design to create a space that prioritizes both social interaction and quiet retreat. The Dining Center features ten robust food platforms, including allergy-aware, vegan, and international options, designed for engagement and choice. Sharples Commons extends beyond dining, serving as the campus’s “living room” – a flexible, welcoming environment for student collaboration, study, and gathering.

This project involved the renovation and transformation of the historic Sharples Dining Hall into Sharples Commons, alongside the addition of a new dining center to serve Swarthmore’s expanding student body. Spanning 60,000 SF and completed in two phases, this project features an 800-seat Dining Center and the 30,000 SF Sharples Commons – a dynamic hub for student life. Mass timber is the structural backbone of the design, significantly reducing embodied carbon while enhancing durability and warmth. Targeting Living Building Challenge Petal Certification  and designed to support Swarthmore’s “To Zero by 35” net-zero carbon neutrality initiative, the facility integrates an all-electric kitchen, a rooftop solar array supplying 40% of energy needs, and a campus-wide geo-exchange system. Expansive glazing, biophilic materials, and a 100-seat outdoor dining area reinforce student well-being. Sharples Commons features multipurpose lounges, student meeting rooms, and the Office of Student Engagement, fostering inclusivity and campus connection. By integrating mass timber, Red List-free materials, and high-performance energy systems, the project stands as a national model for sustainable, carbon-conscious campus development.