SWARTHMORE COLLEGE

Swarthmore College Dining and Community Commons, which opened in phases from 2023 to 2024, includes an 800-seat dining hall with 10 food platforms, retail dining for late-night, catering, bakery, and a centralized social space. The facility spans 71,500 square feet and aims to enhance the student experience through improved accessibility, sustainability, and community engagement. Ricca Design Studios focused on creating a dynamic and sustainable dining environment that caters to the diverse dietary needs of the student body. Our net zero foodservice design emphasizes flexibility, energy efficiency, and transparency in food preparation, with features such as induction ranges, combi ovens, and plug-and-play equipment. The foodservice design also integrates renewable energy sources and zero waste systems, aligning with Swarthmore College’s vision of achieving carbon neutrality by 2035.