Event Description

The Harvard Science and Engineering Complex is a model for using a holistic approach to sustainable development with a focus on climate, health, and equity. The site of the project, once a brownfield, has been transformed into a beacon of environmental sustainability and educational opportunity. From its inception, the building was designed to minimize stormwater discharge and city water usage, fulfilling the client’s goal of sustainable innovation. This was achieved through a sophisticated system that captures, treats, and reuses stormwater via green roofs and bioretention basins, with storage capabilities reaching 78,000 gallons. The landscape design enhances biodiversity, supporting plant and pollinator health, while reducing potable water use. It extends urban greenways and fosters a vibrant community space, blending educational elements and ecological restoration. This transformation connects neighborhoods, parks, and commercial areas with university spaces, serving as a living classroom that illustrates the site’s history and sustainable practices.

Presenter

Erik Hegre, AIA, NCARB | Partner, Behnisch Architekten

Topic

Advancing Architecture