Cutting Edge Design for Cutting Edge Research

Harvard University, Science and Engineering Complex

Allston, MA

To invent a lab for the 21st century, Harvard University turned to Behnisch Architekten to meet the demands of their new School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS). 

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 eight-level, 544,000 ft² 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.

Our team provided integrated structural and geotechnical engineering services and collaborated closely with the architectural and building systems team to deliver a state-of-the-art facility. The new Science and Engineering Complex houses a diverse program including wet and dry research labs, teaching labs, flexible lab spaces, a cleanroom, lithography lab, advanced imaging lab, maker spaces and a 300-seat auditorium throughout a building in which openness and informal collaboration spaces are key aspect.

The project features 70,000ft² of green space, while laboratories will account for 40% of teaching space.

The complex houses over 900 undergraduate students and over 400 postgraduates once completed.

Harvard’s LEED Platinum and Living Building Challenge certified Science and Engineering Complex provides world-class, cutting edge facilities for thousands of students and researchers.

Challenge

The complex is to be constructed on top of existing foundations and basement levels from a previous project suspended in 2008. As part of the team that designed the original structure, we were re-commissioned to carry out structural design and geotechnical engineering for the newly designed campus building. This presented a unique set of complexities for Buro Happold and the rest of the design team. We needed to carefully consider the reuse of the current structure while delivering a modern, vibrant space fitting both the client and architect’s aspirations.

Solution

Our team carried out extensive analyses to assess how best to incorporate the new building over the existing substructure, seeking to minimize both structural interventions and strengthening requirements while maximizing reuse of the existing construction.

The design features an atrium which penetrates deep into the basement, linking the above and below grade levels and program on the upper levels is brought together by a series cantilevering walkways, bridges and interconnecting staircases. In addition, we incorporated flexibility into the structural design to future-proof the laboratory spaces and allow for changes to the University program.

Value

The work on this project demonstrates how we are able to successfully coordinate between our national and international offices, with design taking place across our New York, Boston and London teams to ensure the best skills are utilized.

Harvard’s LEED Platinum and Living Building Challenge certified Science and Engineering Complex provides world class, cutting edge facilities for thousands of students and researchers.