Model Amphitheatre in Swarthmore, PA

Written by Burkholder Brothers Landscaping Monday, October 24 2011 15:07

Burkholder Brothers was recently asked to work on the design of an amphitheatre. To begin the design process for this exciting project, we stopped by the amphitheatre at Swarthmore College for some inspiration. Swarthmore's outdoor amphitheatre makes great use of the natural woodland setting and sloping hills along the edge of campus. One of the design elements that enhances this setting is the fact that mature trees were kept throughout the seats of the amphitheater, giving the feeling of being "in the woods" rather than simply being surrounded by woods. The natural stone steps and pea gravel walks provide easy access throughout the area and blend in beautifully with the surroundings.

Up next...maybe a visit to the Colloseum in Rome? 

What is an amphitheatre?

An amphitheatre is an outdoor venue used for entertainment. Amphitheatres are typically man-made, though there are also geological formations used in the same manner which are known as natural amphitheatres. The term derives from the ancient Greek amphi-, meaning "around", or "on both sides" and théātron, meaning "place for viewing".