Project Overview
Rooftop lounges within Penn’s high-rise residential buildings serve as prominent communal spaces for studying, socializing, and resident programming. By 2024, finishes and furnishings across the Rodin, Harrison, and Harnwell rooftop lounges had become worn, no longer meeting durability, aesthetic, or functional standards expected of these high-visibility environments.
Residential and Hospitality Services initiated a coordinated rooftop lounge refresh to address immediate condition concerns while establishing a standardized design framework for future upgrades. Due to the severity of furniture deterioration, the Rodin rooftop lounge was prioritized for full furniture replacement, while finish upgrades and design standardization were implemented across all three locations. Special Projects Coordinator Caleb Younkman served as project coordinator, overseeing planning, procurement, and execution. This effort balanced near-term capital needs with long-term planning, ensuring consistency, scalability, and fiscal responsibility.
Planning and Execution
Condition Assessment
- Conducted comprehensive assessments of furniture, carpet, and wall finishes across all three rooftop lounges.
- Identified Rodin as the highest-priority location due to advanced furniture wear and reduced usability.
Phased Implementation Strategy
- Implemented immediate finish upgrades across Rodin, Harrison, and Harnwell.
- Executed full furniture replacement at Rodin while deferring furniture upgrades at Harrison and Harnwell pending future funding.
Coordination and Logistics
- Coordinated procurement, contractor access, scheduling, and installation.
- Worked closely with Facilities partners and vendors to ensure quality execution.
- Minimized resident disruption through careful sequencing and communication.
Design and Material Improvements
Finish Upgrades (All Rooftops)
- Installed new commercial-grade carpeting designed for high-traffic residential use.
- Completed interior repainting and new cove base installation to refresh aesthetics and improve durability.
Furniture Improvements (Rodin)
- Replaced all existing furnishings due to poor condition.
- Selected flip-top tables to enhance flexibility for studying and events.
- Installed new soft seating to improve comfort, durability, and long-term performance.
Strategic Impact
Program-Level Coordination
Managed a multi-site refresh under a unified scope and design vision.
Capital Planning
Balanced immediate replacement needs with phased, funding-dependent future upgrades.
Operational Efficiency
Created a repeatable design model to reduce future planning, design, and procurement costs.
Measurable Outcomes
- Locations Impacted: Rodin, Harrison, and Harnwell rooftop lounges
- Scope: New carpeting, paint, and cove base across all three locations
- Furniture Replacement: Full replacement at Rodin rooftop lounge
- Design Standard: Established for future replication at Harrison and Harnwell
- Implementation Approach: Phased, funding-aligned capital execution
Pre-Renovation Conditions
The original space featured worn furniture and outdated finishes that no longer met student needs.
Project Gallery: The Result
The refreshed space features modern furniture, improved layout flexibility, and upgraded finishes.
