Boatwright Beach

Boatwright Beach is a terraced hillside at the University of Richmond overlooking Westhampton Lake. It’s a favorite gathering spot for students. It was recently resculpted to my team’s design as part of a multi-phase renovation of the university’s library led by architects StudioMB and construction manager Taylor & Parrish. Our design for the site reimagines the library grounds as a tapestry of spaces for study, gathering, and campus traditions. Highlights include a new rooftop reading garden, accessible campus walks, a monumental entry stair, and the sculpted hillside overlooking Lake Westhampton. The space supports everyday campus life as well as special events like the Last Day of Classes Concert. The renovated landscape has been richly replanted to support biodiversity, create native bird and pollinator habitat, and expand the tree canopy for shade and heat-island reduction. It’s gratifying to see how the new landscapes and building additions complement and complete Boatwright Library, which is one of the campus’ great Collegiate Gothic icons.

COLLABORATORS: Taylor & Parrish, StudioMB

PHOTO CREDITS: Includes photos by Joseph Romeo Photography, JCLA, and drone shots by the University of Richmond