Longwood Gardens: The Grove and Bonsai Courtyard
Longwood Garden’s new administrative office hub, the Grove, is built from the foundation of an obsolete building to convene a community of Longwood Gardens employees who had previously been dispersed throughout the campus. Located on the northern crest of the Longwood Gardens campus, the design leverages existing structural elements to create an entirely new multi-use space.
Now an illuminated nexus of activity and programming, the Grove’s classrooms, office spaces, conference rooms, library, and archive all open to views of the iconic meadows to the west and south across the Brandywine Valley. Above all else, the new administration building expands Longwood Garden’s reach in delivering their mission and serving the greater community.
The new home for Longwood Gardens’ expanded bonsai collection is located in a new courtyard between the West Conservatory and The Grove. Envisioned as an outdoor gallery experience, it is complemented by a new bonsai workshop located in the historic potting shed.
Location of The Grove and Bonsai Courtyard on campus
Existing condition
North lobby entrance
Early concept sketch for the new library
The new bonsai courtyard weaves a textured palette into the path adjoining the West Conservatory and The Grove.
Existing condition: Historic potting shed