Swarthmore College sought a creative design solution to provide a system of routes and pathways throughout its bucolic campus, which is also an active arboretum, that specifically prioritized access into its historic campus buildings. 

VMA developed a comprehensive set of campus standards and a materials palette that would not only achieve this but facilitate a consistent visual language across the campus. While highlighting the landscape, the plan is also fully in line with fire and accessibility requirements.

First, circulation routes were examined, which led to the planning and design of walkways, roads, and plazas that would highlight prominent landscape features of the campus, including its iconic Amphitheater. Another notable facet to the upgrades included rebuilding the historic, flagstone walkway in front of Parrish Hall, the focal point of campus, in a manner that could support both wheelchairs and firetrucks yet retain the texture and character of the original. Helping to further advance the college’s goal to create a campus welcoming to all, VMA’s plan included accessible entrances to several buildings sensitively designed to reflect the exteriors and features of the historic original.