Hill College House: A Legacy of Design and Community at the University of Pennsylvania
Hill College House, an internationally recognized architectural landmark at the University of Pennsylvania, stands as a testament to the enduring influence of mid-century modern design and the evolution of student life. Designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen in 1958 and completed in 1960, this unique building has shaped the campus landscape and the experiences of countless students. Located at 3333 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, Hill College House has become a symbol of architectural innovation and community.
Saarinen's Vision: A Modernist Castle
Eero Saarinen, renowned for his iconic designs such as the St. Louis Arch, the former TWA Flight Center at New York City's Kennedy Airport, and the Dulles International Airport Main Terminal, brought his visionary approach to Hill College House. Saarinen aimed to create a building that harmonized with the existing campus while offering a distinct architectural statement. His design reflected a departure from the Machine Age aesthetic, embracing a more textured and sculptural form.
Originally conceived as a women's dormitory, Hill's design incorporated elements that reflected the social and cultural norms of the time. The building's exterior, with its rough brick surfaces and fortress-like appearance, has been described as a modernist castle. The "drawbridge" entrance across a "moat," combined with a spiked-fence motif, were symbolic gestures intended to create a sense of security and exclusivity for its female residents.
Saarinen's choice of materials was deliberate, aiming to connect Hill College House with the architectural fabric of the campus. He used clinker bricks, known for their irregular shape and dark colors, to create texture and color variation on the facades, establishing a visual link with other campus buildings, particularly Frank Furness' Fisher Fine Arts Library. The tapered horizontal and vertical casement windows were designed to provide ventilation and a range of views.
The Interior Atrium: A Hub of Community
In contrast to its imposing exterior, the interior of Hill College House reveals a light-filled and welcoming space. The five-story atrium serves as the heart of the building, fostering a strong sense of community among its residents. Student rooms and circulation spaces open onto the atrium, creating a visual connection and encouraging interaction.
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The atrium's design features white walls and wood shutters, creating a warm and stark contrast to the cold, dark brick of the exterior. This central space brings natural light to common areas on the lower levels, such as the dining room and recreation room.
Originally intended as an open courtyard, Saarinen enclosed the atrium after determining that an outdoor space would see limited use during the academic year. This decision transformed the space into a vibrant indoor gathering place, hidden from the street and accessible upon entering the building.
Since 1978, the atrium has been home to N.C. Wyeth's "An Apotheosis of Franklin," a mural commissioned in 1926 for the Franklin Savings Bank of New York City. This large-scale artwork, covering 480 square feet of the court's south wall, depicts Benjamin Franklin, the founder of the University of Pennsylvania, with nineteen other historic figures in front of Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
Evolution and Adaptation: Renovations and Modernization
Over the years, Hill College House has undergone several transformations to adapt to the changing needs of its residents and the evolving standards of student housing. One significant change occurred in the 1970s when Hill became a co-ed residence, reflecting the broader shift towards co-educational living arrangements in universities.
In 1965, it was renamed to honor Robert C. Hill, a Wharton graduate (Class of 1889) and Penn trustee, whose generous bequest led to the purchase of the land on which Hill College House now stands.
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In August 2017, Hill College House reopened after a comprehensive renovation that addressed dated systems, worn finishes, and the lack of air-conditioning. While respecting the original floor plan, the renovation team, comprised of Mills + Schnoering Architects and interior design studio Floss Barber in tandem with Knoll dealer CFI, glazed the interior atrium to brighten the overall space. Formerly solid walls separating lounges from corridors were replaced with glass, bringing natural light into the hallways and lounge areas.
The renovation also included significant upgrades to the building's infrastructure and amenities. All bathrooms were converted to individual restrooms and shower rooms, and all bedrooms and common spaces were upgraded. Air conditioning was installed throughout the building, addressing a long-standing concern of residents. The central kitchen and dining areas were expanded and modernized to meet the needs of a contemporary student population.
Furniture and finishes were selected to echo the building’s midcentury style and reinterpret Saarinen’s bold color palette. For one of the study areas that overlooks the main atrium, the team mixed workstations and Saarinen Executive Swivel chairs with adjacent refuge spaces composed of Saarinen Womb Chairs and Florence Knoll sofas. One level up, there is an outdoor space that feeds light into the building through the large floor-to-ceiling windows. Rather than leave this space empty the team proposed and installed 1966 Dining Tables with Spark side chairs and Maya Lin Stones.
A Model for Contemporary Design
Despite its initial criticisms regarding small windows and a fortress-like aesthetic, Hill College House has exerted a significant influence on contemporary architectural design. BCJ's New College House, for example, draws inspiration from Hill's modernist features, particularly the horizontal windows inset onto a tapered brick facade.
College House System and Community Life
Hill College House is an integral part of the University of Pennsylvania's College House system, which aims to create supportive and engaging living-learning communities for undergraduate students. Each College House has a faculty director and house director, as well as College House Fellows who are members of the faculty and senior administration in residence. These individuals play a crucial role in fostering intellectual and social connections within the house.
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The College House system also provides numerous opportunities for student leadership and involvement. Many houses offer a range of jobs for students, including Residential Advisors, House Councils, Managers, and Information Technology assistants. These positions allow students to take on leadership roles, contribute to the community, and develop valuable skills.
There are currently 13 College Houses on Penn's campus, each with its unique character and traditions. In addition to Hill College House, other notable houses include the Quadrangle, King's Court English College House, Lauder College House, Harnwell College House, Harrison College House, Rodin College House, Stouffer College House, W. E. B. Du Bois College House, and Gregory College House.
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