The beautiful new addition to Louis Sert’s ‘Smith Campus Centre’ at Harvard University by Hopkins Architects is designed to give students, faculty staff and visitors a truly inspiring and uplifting environment in which to work and socialise. It’s a huge project with multiple areas, levels, light-filled spaces and all sitting comfortably in Sert’s 1950’s original.
Hopkins impressive designs more than rejuvenate the indoor spaces which now have vast light, sociable and flexible use areas as well as refreshing the multiple external areas. It is inclusive, accessible and of course built with sustainability in mind.
The original vast arcade remains the core running through the centre but it now opens up into the multi levelled areas of the new wood and glass ‘Common Space’ as well as to roof gardens, cafes and concrete walls softened by wonderful living walls. I can highly recommend a refuelling cinnamon croissant and coffee overlooking the new outside chess tables and enjoy watching the hubbub of Harvard Square.
There are other wonderfully designed and furnished ‘student only’ study and recreation areas on the 10th floor with lounge areas and spaces commanding great views over Cambridge and the river for when your eyes need a break from studying. The building has so many elements, but here are just a few of the many photos captured to illustrate the project.
You can read more about the success of the Richard A and Susan F Smith Campus Centre on Harvard’s web page here.
