Stouffer House Renovation and Dining Master Plan

BKP performed a three-option dining master plan to evaluate renovation options for the 1972 Stouffer House, once home to Penn’s largest dining venue but changed to other uses in the 1990s. The building’s upper two floors feature an outdoor plaza and student residences in a complex, stepped arrangement of six “neighborhoods.” Despite its originality, the architecture’s inherent accessibility challenges prompted Penn to consider renovations. The first of BKP’s three conceptual designs creates accessibility by completely redesigning the residential levels. The new layout provides more program space, updated rooms, and incorporates new building systems. A series of ramps replace the stairs, while maintaining the neighborhood room groupings. The design frees space for gender-neutral individual restrooms and lounges with full kitchens. The second conceptual design recreates a premier dining venue by reconfiguring three floors below the residences. Food stations, a variety of seating, and a coffee bar that connects to Woodland Walk create a dynamic dining and gathering environment. The solution works within the confines of the concrete structure and preserves connectivity with the residential levels. In the third and most striking conceptual design for Stouffer House, BKP removes the top two residential levels and builds an iconic dining venue in their place, preserving and integrating the plaza. Glass walls, exterior sunshades, and multiple food stations establish a contemporary and light-filled food hall environment.