The Penn Weitzman Hall Renovation and Addition represents a transformational moment for the Stuart Weitzman School of Design at the University of Pennsylvania. This project involves the renovation and expansion of the historic Morgan Building  into a LEED-certified facility, offering cutting-edge spaces for art and design education and research. Under PORT’s leadership, the landscape design  plays a critical role in integrating the historic building with contemporary functionality, addressing challenges of grade change and space constraints.

PORT led the landscape design of the School’s most significant expansion in over five decades. The 16,000-square-foot outdoor space capitalizes on its location along the  dynamic Smith Walk campus thoroughfare to create a vibrant, multifunctional  environment. The design includes terraced seating sheltered by shade trees, sloped lawns for informal gatherings, and large patios that extend interior programming into the outdoors, offering unique opportunities for outdoor  exhibitions.

Key features of the  landscape design include:

• Terraced Front Porch: A series of terraces mediate nine feet of grade change, creating a welcoming entrance that encourages interaction and fosters a sense of campus community.
• Stormwater Resilience: A robust underground stormwater management system, including a retention basin and soil-cell infrastructure, supports tree health and runoff management.
• Heritage and Native Planting: A palette of native plants provides seasonal interest and biodiversity while softening the architectural edges. The preserved historic London Planetree anchors the west façade, framing a formal arrival sequence along 34th Street.
• Sloped Lawn: An expansive, gently sloping green space balances the terraces and planting beds, offering flexibility for student gatherings and outdoor activities.

The design reflects PORT’s ability to transform challenging urban sites into dynamic landscapes that  prioritize sustainability, community engagement, and ecological sensitivity.  The project highlights the seamless integration of historic preservation with  contemporary needs, elevating the Morgan Building as a hub for design  innovation and education.

Anticipated for completion  in Fall 2025, this project redefines the role of landscape in shaping campus life while honoring the site’s historic significance.