Harvard University, Science Center Expansion
Cambridge, Mass.
Leers Weinzapfel Associates Architects

Three sensitive additions enhance a modern landmarked building

© Peter Aaron/Esto

For more photos click on 'photos & drawings' above. To see the people and products behind this project click on 'people & products.'

In response to the rapid growth of the History of Science, Statistics, and Computer Services departments, Harvard University needed to expand its Science Center, a modern landmark building designed by Josep Lluis Sert in 1970.

The decision to add to the project in three additions demonstrates the sensitivity to context which is the hallmark of the project. The size and complexity of each addition is compatible with the respective scales of the existing building. The new wings are clad in translucent glass panels which are complimentary in scale to the precast concrete existing building, while providing a contrasting lightness.

The design began with a clear understanding of the need to respond to the rapid growth of the departments, as well as the needs of the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments, unparalleled in the United States. The collection was a unique resource for the department as well as a potentially exciting attraction for the public. The largest addition is a four-story structure, which houses the History of Science Department and the collection in a highly visible location on the transformed original ground floor. A two-story addition above an existing roof deck provides expanded administrative offices for computer services and an experimental instructional classroom. A one-story addition extending a portion of the top floor of the building accommodates the enlarged statistics department.

The creative response to the need for new space in a building which already occupied its entire site was to introduce three appropriately scaled roof top additions. The additions are elegantly reserved in expression so that they become a luminous and light counterpart to the robust texture of the original building’s pre-cast concrete. The scale of the glass channels provides a density and rhythm compatible with the original building. The successful review by the local historic commission attests to the positive contribution of the new buildings within their setting.

Durable materials combined with the warmth of natural finish wood millwork produced an interior of great clarity and functionality while meeting client budgetary requirements.

Formal name of Project:
Harvard University, Science Center Expansion

Location:
Cambridge, Mass.

Gross square footage:
Additions: 26,814 sq. ft.
Renovations: 38,729 sq. ft.
Existing Building: 291,000 sq. ft.

Owner:
Harvard University

Architect:
Leers Weinzapfel Associates Architects, Inc.
280 Summer Street
Boston, Massachusetts
617-423-5711 phone
617-482-7257 fax
lwa-architects.com