Pratt East Hall Plaza
Pratt Institute's East Hall Plaza transforms a former service corridor into a vibrant campus commons where landscape, infrastructure, and student life converge.
When the Institute's broader energy plan required replacing the boilers beneath East Hall and demolishing the plaza above, SCAPE worked with the University to transform the empty hardscape into a dynamic gathering space that reflects the creative artistry of Pratt's student body. The new plaza presents a welcoming outdoor space at the center of campus, activated for new student orientation, collaborative work, and everyday campus life.
The craftsmanship of the new plaza celebrates the design culture of the Pratt campus and draws inspiration from the historic and industrial aesthetic of the surrounding buildings.
Contextual materials are re-imagined through carefully crafted details—brick echoing the weathered façade of East Hall, stone with rich hues and natural graining, steel with subtle texture and warm undertones, and wood with long lines that will patina over time.
Custom, modular tables can function as standalone workspaces or be combined into larger collaborative surfaces, allowing students to reconfigure the space to fit individual or group needs. They are lightweight enough to be moved without assistance, and designed to invite use at any time of day.
An existing wall on the site was re-imagined to incorporate seating, shade, and views beyond the plaza.
The planting concept centers around a single specimen tree and a robust, layered understory palette. Because all planting areas had to be built up above the boiler facility below, a tiered planter system was developed to allow for greater visual diversity and a layered textural effect.
A horticultural palette of native and ornamental plants weaves together a richly colored tapestry of foliage and flowers, bringing ecological richness to the heart of campus. Above, a planter teeming with Hypericum 'Gemo' attracts bees and other pollinators. Learn more about Cities as Habitats.
With sustainability at the core of the design, East Hall Plaza captures all stormwater runoff through detailed micro-grading and a trench drain system at the edge of the plaza. Learn more about Design for Climate Adaptation.
The result is a place that is rooted in Pratt's history and responsive to future needs. It is a beloved new open space for Pratt Institute, inspiring creativity and social interaction year-round as a new community hub.
Client
Pratt Institute
Collaborators
Lam Partners
Milrose
Burns
Awards
ASLA-NY: Merit Award – General Design (2025)
Press
For questions, please contact SCAPE
press@scapestudio.com
