​hillspring design studio

Retained by the University of Pennsylvania to develop Phase II of the Landscape Master Plan for the School of Dental Medicine, Hillspring Landscape Architecture, in collaboration with Christopher Allen and Julie Regnier, transformed an abandoned city street into a new campus open space. Flanked on three sides by buildings , the courtyard is the green centerpiece and social heart of the Dental School. The open space is ADA accessible, the lawn panel is used for ceremonies and informal sitting and a bronze, sculptural fountain was commissioned for the upper dining terrace.

The primary goal of the design was to restore the Italianate style and serenity of Wilson Eyre's 1899 concept in the roof-top garden. Secondary goals were to better accommodate circulation, improve accessibility and meet new programmatic needs to allow for temporary exhibits and the reintroduction of classic statuary. Approved by the City's Historic Commission, they allowed slight modifications to the historic layout for ADA access, to increase the use of the garden as a destination and Museum entrance. Retained by the University of Pennsylvania, Hillspring Landscape Architecture, in collaboration with Christopher Allen and Julie Regnier, were retained by Marvin Waxman Engineers to re-create the Museum's historic landscape on top of new underground mechanical and program spaces.

The Life Sciences Building designed by Ellenzweig Associates, Inc, faces University Avenue on the west and adjoins the Biology Pond and Gardens to the east. Hillspring Landscape Architecture, in collaboration with Christopher Allen and Julie Regnier, designed a green gateway and welcoming pedestrian environment to the University's western boundary was created using street trees and elevated plantings to mitigate traffic noise and the harsh southwestern exposure. Two new landscaped courtyards were created at the two building entrances.