Lauder College House: A Modern Landmark in Penn's Residential History
The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) has a long-standing tradition of fostering a vibrant on-campus community. From its earliest days, the university recognized the importance of providing spaces that cater to the diverse needs of its students. This commitment has evolved over centuries, culminating in the development of the College House system, where residential life is integrated with intellectual and academic pursuits. Lauder College House stands as a testament to this evolution, representing a modern approach to student living within the historic context of Penn's campus.
The Genesis of College Houses at Penn
Penn's dedication to on-campus community building dates back to 1763 when Robert Smith designed "The New Building," the university's first dormitory. While that structure is long gone, the concept of a university "campus" designed to meet the multifaceted needs of students endured. Following the Civil War, Penn's relocation to West Philadelphia spurred a significant building campaign, including the construction of the "Quadrangle," a sprawling complex of interconnected dormitories that now houses Fisher Hassenfeld, Riepe, and Ware College Houses.
The post-Sputnik era witnessed further expansion, with the construction of Hill College House, designed by Eero Saarinen, and the acquisition of buildings that would become Stouffer College House and Kings Court English College House. The creation of a "super block" by banning vehicular traffic allowed for the development of Hamilton Village, featuring high-rise residences like Harnwell, Harrison, and Rodin College Houses, as well as low-rise buildings that now house W.E.B. Du Bois and Gregory College Houses.
The Transformation from Dormitories to College Houses
In the 1970s, faculty members sought to enhance student-faculty interaction, leading to the concept of intellectual communities within the dormitories. Faculty, staff, and their families resided alongside students, fostering spontaneous and planned interactions of various kinds. These "College Houses" offered theme-based floors and distributed services like computing support, but participation was voluntary.
In the late 1990s, under President Judith Rodin, the university re-evaluated student-faculty interaction and concluded that the College House model could benefit all undergraduates living on campus. In Fall 1998, the decision was made to transform all undergraduate residences into College Houses, each with faculty and staff dedicated to running events, programs, and coordinating services. Professor David B. Brownlee was appointed as the first faculty director of the revitalized House system.
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Lauder College House: A New Era of Residential Life
In 2016, Penn marked a significant milestone with the opening of New College House, now named Lauder College House (LCH). This was the first new construction for residents in over three decades. Located at the corner of 33rd and 34th streets, between Walnut and Chestnut streets, the 198,000 square foot building was designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson (BCJ), a Philadelphia-based firm.
LCH provides housing for approximately 350 undergraduates and features a dining venue, seminar rooms, a media room, and a central courtyard suitable for concerts and other activities. The building's design integrates public and private outdoor spaces while ensuring secure access for residents. In addition to student residences, LCH includes apartments for faculty, staff, and graduate students, arranged around light-filled common areas, social and academic spaces, and dining facilities.
Location and Design
Lauder College House is situated on the historic Hill Field, in the northeastern corner of Penn’s campus. The building sweeps in a reverse J-shape, creating a gently sloping grassy space that culminates in a lifted lawn overlooking a courtyard. Its south-facing entrance and glass-encased Dining Pavilion are welcoming to both commuters and neighbors in Hill College House.
The site's history dates back to the 1870s, when Penn relocated to West Philadelphia. In the early 1890s, an eight-story apartment building stood on the block, but it was demolished in the late 1950s to make way for a women’s Residence Hall, now Hill College House. Plans for another Residence Hall on the site of LCH were never completed, and Hill Field remained a recreational space for many years.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Lauder College House is designed with sustainability in mind, reflecting Penn's Climate Action Plan 2.0 and earning recognition from the Green Building Council. Features like the Green Roof and a courtyard designed to manage rainwater runoff demonstrate a commitment to environmental responsibility. The courtyard also serves as a gathering space for social events, study, and relaxation.
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The Lauder College House Crest and Motto
The New College House unveiled its crest in Spring 2017, the result of a collaborative process involving residents and staff. Resident Jad Blaik designed the winning crest, which represents the college house as a global village. The hands holding the earth symbolize the diverse community, while the tree represents a commitment to sustainability. The phoenix, the house mascot, is also featured in the design, along with the house colors, blue and white. The motto, "Semper ad meliora (Always onward to better things)," is proudly displayed on a banner.
The crest continues to represent the ideals of the house community, even after its renaming to Lauder College House in 2019. The motto of LCH, "semper ad meliora," reflects the residents' belief in continuous improvement and striving for better things.
The College House System at Penn Today
Today, Penn boasts 13 College Houses, each with a unique character and offerings. Each house has a faculty director, a house director, and College House Fellows who are faculty and senior administrators in residence. The College Houses provide a range of opportunities for students, including residential advisor positions, house council involvement, and IT support roles.
- The Quadrangle: Divided into Fisher Hassenfeld, Ware, and Riepe College Houses, the Quadrangle is home to freshmen only.
- Hill College House: Designed by Eero Saarinen, Hill is a freshmen-only house with a distinctive interior atrium.
- King's Court English College House: This house was the first to host a residential program and is also a freshmen-only residence.
- Harnwell, Harrison, and Rodin College Houses: These three high-rise dormitories offer stunning views and various amenities.
- Stouffer College House: Comprising Stouffer Hall and Mayer Hall, Stouffer offers a close-knit community.
- W.E.B. Du Bois College House: This house focuses on supporting African American culture.
- Gregory College House: Named for Emily Lovira Gregory, this house offers a welcoming environment for all students.
- Gutmann College House: The newest college house, opened in the fall of 2021.
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