University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania set out to transform the existing Graduate School of Education (GSE) into a modern, state-of-the-art facility that promotes “One Penn GSE” by bringing the majority of the University’s programs, students, faculty, and staff to one location on campus. 

To achieve this goal, the project featured two major components. The first included a 4-story addition to the east side of the GSE building, and a 3-level infill addition between GSE and Stiteler Hall providing a new entry to GSE from the 37th Street Walk and making Stiteler Hall fully ADA accessible. The second component was a two-story courtyard addition to the west side of Stiteler Hall over the existing parking garage.

The expanded facility offers new collaboration spaces for students to gain hands-on experience with new technologies and mediums, such as an innovation studio, makerspace, and virtual reality lab. The facility also features various student lounges, doctoral and executive-format program student areas, a faculty/staff lounge, new offices, and event spaces. The revitalized outdoor courtyard features new plantar boxes and a long wooden bench, and was designed to serve as a social and academic hub.