Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex / Behnisch Architekten

Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex  / Behnisch Architekten - Exterior Photography, Cityscape, Facade, WindowsHarvard University Science and Engineering Complex  / Behnisch Architekten - Exterior Photography, Windows, Chair, FacadeHarvard University Science and Engineering Complex  / Behnisch Architekten - Interior Photography, Stairs, Beam, Handrail, SteelHarvard University Science and Engineering Complex  / Behnisch Architekten - Interior Photography, Stairs, HandrailHarvard University Science and Engineering Complex  / Behnisch Architekten - More Images+ 40

  • Partners: Stefan Behnisch, Robert Matthew Noblett
  • Project Leaders: Christine Napolitano, Erik Hegre
  • Team Members: Magdalena Czolnowska, Michelle Lee, Chup Chiu, Michael Cook, Yewon Ji, Heinrich Lipp, Niki Murata, Ryan Otterson, Laetitia Pierlot, Abigail Ransmeier, Jaime Sevilla Lugo, Martin Werminghausen, Piper Ainsley, Chang-Ping Pai, Abhishek Sakpal, Christian Voermann
  • Mep/ Fp Engineers: van Zelm Heywood & Shadford Inc
  • Laboratory Planners: Jacobs Laboratory Planning Group
  • Signage, Graphics: Ockert und Partner
  • Code Consultancy: Code Red Consultants
  • Leed Consultancy: Thorton Thomasetti
  • General Contractor : Turner Construction Company
  • Drywall And Plasterwork: Central Ceilings Inc
  • Facade Design: knippershelbig GmbH
  • City: Boston
  • Country: United States
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Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex  / Behnisch Architekten - Exterior Photography

Text description provided by the architects. Setting a new paradigm for scholarship in the 21st century and beyond, Harvard’s Science and Engineering Complex (SEC) is designed to inspire learning and scientific discovery while showcasing sustainability. The building weaves together a number of threads of contemporary life, which will influence current and future generations of researchers: engineering’s decisive influence on the exploration and resolution of some of the world's most pressing problems, the critical importance of cross-disciplinary efforts to achieve major scientific breakthroughs and genuine leadership in sustainable design and urban development.

Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex  / Behnisch Architekten - Exterior Photography, Facade
Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex  / Behnisch Architekten - Exterior Photography, Garden
Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex  / Behnisch Architekten - Image 26 of 45
Level 1 floor plan

The building’s adaptable, innovative environments support the school’s profound commitment to cutting-edge academic collaboration, create vibrant public spaces at a variety of scales, and set a distinctive architectural tone for the Allston campus.

Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex  / Behnisch Architekten - Image 46 of 45
Section

The eight-level, 544,000-square-foot building is organized into three four-story volumes connected by two glazed, multi-story atria that provide light-filled social hubs for faculty and students. The upper stories are clad in a façade whose layered design celebrates and calibrates the scale of the large volumes that comprise the research activities of the building, creating an identity for the complex and playing a crucial role in the efficient energy performance of the building as well as occupant comfort.

Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex  / Behnisch Architekten - Exterior Photography, Cityscape, Facade, Windows

Classrooms, makerspaces, teaching labs, and amenity spaces occupy the floors closer to the street, where they highlight active learning, showcase student work, and engage the community. Classrooms and meeting spaces vary in size and layout, ranging from typical, theater-style classrooms with sloped floors and fixed seating to flexible spaces that can be reconfigured into flipped classrooms for student-led discussions.

Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex  / Behnisch Architekten - Interior Photography, Beam
© Steve Dunwell

Wet and dry research labs are located in the upper volumes, where they provide researchers with more solitude and security. Modular, flexible laboratory environments, smart zoning of highly ventilated zones from dry spaces, and robust delivery of centralized lab services ensure the adaptability of the space for decades to come. Between the laboratory blocks, generous lounges provide connection points for students and faculty.

Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex  / Behnisch Architekten - Interior Photography, Kitchen
Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex  / Behnisch Architekten - Interior Photography, Kitchen, Table, Chair, Windows
Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex  / Behnisch Architekten - Interior Photography, Kitchen, Chair

Sustainability and performance are high priorities for Harvard; the SEC has received LEED Platinum and Living Building Challenge (LBC), and Petal certification in Materials, Beauty, and Equity. Complementing energy-conscious HVAC and lighting systems and vegetated roof terraces, the façade balances technical and aesthetic goals. Four principal façade types are used in the building, including the world’s first hydroformed stainless-steel screen, which wraps the laboratory portion of the structure.

Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex  / Behnisch Architekten - Interior Photography, Facade
Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex  / Behnisch Architekten - Interior Photography, Stairs, Facade
Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex  / Behnisch Architekten - Image 40 of 45
Facade performance diagram

It is precisely dimensioned to shield the interior from solar heat gain during warmer months while admitting beneficial sun during the winter, reducing cooling and heating loads. The screen also reflects daylight towards the interior while maintaining large view apertures. Glazed façade sections feature exterior sunshades and operable windows that support automated natural ventilation.

Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex  / Behnisch Architekten - Interior Photography, Chair

The SEC’s striking, yet highly functional design will strengthen Harvard’s position as a leader at the intersection of engineering and science, and set the standard for the future development of the Allston campus as one of a high-quality learning environment with rigorous sustainability goals.

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Project location

Address:150 Western Ave, Boston, MA 02134, United States

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex / Behnisch Architekten" 19 Apr 2022. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/980252/harvard-university-science-and-engineering-complex-behnisch-architekten> ISSN 0719-8884

哈佛大学科学与工程综合楼 / 贝尼奇建筑事务所

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