Smith College’s Reimagining Lyman project

Grimshaw is working with Smith College in the programming phase of the project to identify a new vision and program for the Lyman Plant House and Conservatory–a building at the heart of the College’s historic botanic garden.

Rooted in the garden’s mission to “foster environmental and social justice through teaching and learning about plants, people, and place,” the Reimagining Lyman project is a key part of the College’s strategic plan to position the site as a dynamic place for scientific and personal discovery for their diverse community of faculty, students, alumnae, and stakeholders. Through a highly collaborative process, Grimshaw, alongside Brightspot and Montgomery Smith Inc., is working with the College to create a vision that celebrates the garden’s rich 125-year history as a site of botanical science, establishes its future as a “Botanical Garden for the Liberal Arts,” and positions Lyman as a biophilic classroom for the entire Smith College community.

“On behalf of the programming committee, we are thrilled to be partnering with Grimshaw as Smith College looks to update a beloved structure to meet the pedagogical needs of today,” said Tim Johnson, Director of the Botanic Garden of Smith College. “The programming committee envisions a building that is welcoming, that celebrates learners of all ages, and that honors our planet with an eco-friendly design that helps the College reach its commitment to carbon neutrality by 2030.”

Read the rest of the press release published by Grimshaw on March 21, 2023.