Women in Design: Tour of Harvard Swartz Hall (In-person)

Event Description

Please join the project team from Annum Architects (formerly Ann Beha Architects) for a tour of Swartz Hall, located on Francis Ave near Rockefeller Hall. In collaboration with the Women in Design group at the GSD, this tour is part of the International Women's Week series. Visit https://www.gsd.harvard.edu/ev... for more events open to the public.

The 1911 Swartz Hall building was fully rehabilitated for the Harvard Divinity School, with a two-story expansion replacing a previous addition. At the ground level, a new accessible entrance and dining commons with a café and fireplace lounge welcome students and visitors. Climate-controlled storage for library special collections is provided on the lower level. The upper level provides a 200-seat multipurpose room, serving as a convening space for both HDS and the University. The original five-level library stack wing is redesigned to provide three levels of classrooms, workplace, and a new multifaith worship and meditation room reflecting the broad faith traditions of HDS.

LEED Platinum certified, the design reflects HDS’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The existing granite building envelope is upgraded to exceed current efficiency standards using internal insulation, a seamless air barrier, and new high-performance windows. A new underground mechanical plant accommodates heat recovery and direct outside air handling units.

With a mission to educate students of religion for intellectual leadership, professional service, and ministry, HDS is the first nonsectarian theological institution in the United States. As part of this major renovation, the first since the building’s completion, the Annum Architects designed an architectural environment reflective of the school’s multireligious community and the many faith traditions practiced by students, staff, and faculty. Swartz Hall has been honored with several design awards, most recently a 2023 New England Architecture Award and a 2023 Architect’s Newspaper Best of Design Award in the Religious category.

Presenters

Phillip Chen FAIA | President, Annum Architects
Design Team from Annum Architects