Science and Engineering Complex [SEC]

Type: New Construction

Client: John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS)
Architect: Behnisch Architekten
Contractor: Turner Construction
Size: 500,000 SF
Completed: 2020

Awards:
2021 SEFA Lab of the Year, winner
2021 WAN Award, category: Best Overall Sustainable Project, Gold
2021 ABB Leaf Award, category Best Façade Design & Engineering Project, winner
2021 AIA New England Awards: Award for Design Excellence
2021 Built Environment Plus Award: Green Building of the Year 2021
2021 AN Best of Design Award, Categorie: Green Building, winner
2021 Prix Versailles, category: University Campuses, World Special Prize for an Exterior 2021
2021 ABB Leaf Award, category: Best Achievement in Environmental Performance Project, shortlist
2021 The Plan Award, category: Education, honorable mention
2021 BSA Harleston Parker Medal, nomination
2021 WAN Award, category: Education, shortlist
2021 DAM (Deutsches Architekturmuseum), nomination
2021 LEED Platinum Certification
2021 Living Building Challenge: Materials, Beauty and Equity Petals
2022 The Chicago Athenaeum: American Architecture Awards

Publication: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2022-04-07/net-zero-buildings-co...

The completed Science and Engineering Complex (SEC), located on Harvard University’s Allston campus, integrates one of the country’s most diverse and exciting engineering programs into a single 500,000 SF structure. As described by the University’s Institutional Master Plan for Allston, the new facility establishes a strong precedent for the development of outdoor space, street activation, sustainability, and integration with larger public space networks. The state-of-the-art complex establishes a new series of environments to support the John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences’s (SEAS) commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration in both teaching and research. Vibrant public spaces and numerous amenities throughout the building create a stimulating environment for SEAS’ mission and future innovation.

The SEC was designed to be one of the most energy-efficient laboratory buildings of its size through close attention to architectural elements, the use of heat recovery systems, operable windows, and rainwater cisterns. The custom stainless steel skin mitigates solar heat gain while providing ample interior daylight deep into the building.