HARVARDS ALLSTON SCIENCE COMPLEX BOSTON, MA, USA, 20062011

Over the last century the Harvard Campus has grown considerably. Not only have its borders been expanded, the university has also responded to the insatiable need for more space by introducing higher density developments at the center of the existing campus. With the continued need for growth Harvard extended beyond its natural southern boundary, the Charles River. Once this considerable step was taken, it was only natural to further extend towards Allston. Harvard has a long standing tradition of vital campus life. The center of the traditional campus is characterized by a seemingly endless network of courtyards, lawns, squares and parks. The yards are spatially and functionally complex, importantly recognizing human scale, providing both access and thoroughfares, or simply offering a place to rest or study with varying degrees of shelter and protection. The principles developed for the design and expansion of the Harvard Campus into Allston are rooted in a thorough analysis and understanding of the character of the campus on the Cambridge side of the Charles River.

In striving for a strong balance between building mass and open space, opacity and transparency and the relationship between materials inside and outside; the spaces and proportions of the existing campus provide guidelines for the contemporary and future orientated new science buildings. At the same time the proposal emphasizes the fact that the university is entering a new era where study, research and urban life are intertwined. While the design proposals for the 550,000 square foot facility is intended to foster interdisciplinary research and communication and recognizes that a vibrant university campus is undoubtedly better supported by a series of well connected buildings of a familiar size; buildings situated in a beneficial green setting, grouped around courtyards or yards. The series of buildings promote an atmosphere where students and researchers can appreciate the quality of a walk between different buildings and institutes, or where different institutes and initiatives can exhibit their own profile and identity.

Client Allston Development Group Architect Behnisch Studio East Inc. Competition 2006, 1st Prize Planning and construction 20062011 Gross approx.1.000.000 sqft

B E H NI S C H A R C H I T E KTEN

HARVARDS ALLSTON SCIENCE COMPLEX BOSTON, MA, USA, 20062011

B E H NI S C H A R C H I T E KTEN

HARVARDS ALLSTON SCIENCE COMPLEX BOSTON, MA, USA, 20062011

B E H NI S C H A R C H I T E KTEN

HARVARDS ALLSTON SCIENCE COMPLEX BOSTON, MA, USA, 20062011

B E H NI S C H A R C H I T E KTEN