The HBS Schwartz Pavilion is located in the heart of the Harvard Business School campus and serves as a focal point for student engagement and activity within the newly renovated campus commons. The pavilion sits in the common along the primary circulation routes and encourages participation for both informal and structured social exchanges and recreation.
The two overlapping canopies of different heights respond to the scale of the open lawn and the built context to define two covered spaces of engagement. They are constructed with light responsive materials and vertical partitions to provide privacy, delineate space, and abstract and display activity and occupation.
The canopy and partition walls are designed to create comfort throughout substantial seasonal changes of wind and light. Operable sliding and folding glass doors can be deployed to create thermal comfort through enclosure and alter the scale of event spaces. Seasonal sun exposure and wind directions were analyzed in determining the orientation of the structure for passive cooling and heating in support of Harvard’s sustainability goals. Artificial light is embedded in the pavilion design so that it serves as a beacon and enhancement to the common in the evening hours.
What was the project brief?
The client wanted to create an informal social space where students and faculty could gather outside of class to socialize and exchange ideas. It was important for the structure to be open, inviting, and informal and part of the campus landscape.
