Behnisch Architekten designed the Science and Engineering Complex, a new facility for Harvard University's Allston campus in Boston. It will be the home of the John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS).
The 497,000-sf building will have a series of research boxes situated above a two-story transparent plinth. Classrooms and teaching labs will be in the plinth’s lowest floors, and isolated research labs will be in its highest floors. Fabrication shops, core research facilities, and a loading dock will be placed in below-grade levels. All levels are connected by a central atrium, which receives daylight from an attached courtyard.
Glass ribbons will wrap around the complex’s lowest levels. The upper boxes will be covered in a screen enclosure that both shields the building from solar heat gain during warmer months and reflects daylight into the interior.
The massing of the building will form a courtyard, which students and staff can use for outdoor recreation and other events.
The school expects 1,600 students and 360 staff members to use the building daily, and it anticipates the building to be open by 2020. Construction will begin this year.
(Click photos to enlarge)
The central atrium and the major entries have multi-story all-glass façades that are shaded by integrated roof planes at varying heights.
The massing of the building forms a new landscaped courtyard space suitable for outdoor recreation and events towards the site’s center.
As the primary home of the John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), the complex will create public spaces at different scales throughout the building.
The new facility emphasises outdoor space, street activation, and integration with larger public space networks.
Related Stories
University Buildings | Apr 9, 2020
Designing for the next generation of student life: Academically aligned
Since many academic departments have been concentrated in their own buildings or portions of campus, bringing these disciplines into a shared facility is fairly new territory.
Coronavirus | Mar 30, 2020
Learning from covid-19: Campuses are poised to help students be happier
Overcoming isolation isn’t just about the technological face to face, it is about finding meaningful connection and “togetherness”.
University Buildings | Mar 26, 2020
How to convert college dorms to support the coronavirus crisis
While student dormitories are well-suited to certain alternate healthcare uses — from housing clinical staff to treating low-acuity patients — there are important elements to consider when exploring how to convert them for coronavirus treatment.
University Buildings | Mar 24, 2020
Ponce Health Sciences University to build a medical school in North St. Louis
Clayco will build the project.
Plumbing | Mar 13, 2020
Pioneer Industries launches new website
Pioneer Industries launches new website
University Buildings | Mar 9, 2020
Designing campus buildings through an equity lens
As colleges become more diverse, campus conversation is focusing on how to create equitable environments that welcome all voices.
University Buildings | Mar 9, 2020
Auburn University, Robins & Morton open Construction Field Laboratory
Robins & Morton and Auburn University’s College of Architecture, Design and Construction (CADC) recently celebrated the dedication of the Robins & Morton Construction Field Laboratory.
University Buildings | Feb 20, 2020
Kettering University’s new Learning Commons includes a student entrepreneur lab
Stantec designed the project.
University Buildings | Feb 18, 2020
UC Berkeley’s Enclave Apartments features a unique Moorish Castle design
Kirk E Peterson & Associates designed the project.
University Buildings | Feb 10, 2020
Sino-French Aviation University breaks ground in Hangzhou
HENN designed the project.
