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Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex (SEC)

Allston, MA, US
2014–2021
Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex (SEC). Large, modern campus building with terraced levels and patterned facade, surrounded by well-maintained lawns and paths in an evening atmosphere.
Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex (SEC). Zoom in on the facade structure.
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Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex (SEC). Large, modern campus building with terraced levels and patterned facade, surrounded by well-maintained lawns and paths in an evening atmosphere.
Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex (SEC). Zoom in on the facade structure.

Setting a new standard for scholarship in the twenty-first century, Harvard’s Science and Engineering Complex (SEC) is designed to inspire learning and scientific discovery while prioritizing comfort, well-being, and sustainability. It incorporates important themes that will influence future scholars, such as the importance of engineering in addressing the world’s most urgent challenges, the strength of interdisciplinary teamwork, and a commitment to sustainable urban planning and design.

Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex (SEC). Short concept sketch.
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Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex (SEC). Short concept sketch.

The building’s adaptable, innovative environments support the school’s commitment to cutting-edge academic collaboration, create vibrant public spaces at various scales, and set a distinctive architectural tone for the Allston campus. The 544,000-square-foot building sits prominently on Allston’s main thoroughfare, Western Avenue. Three elevated four-story laboratory blocks are woven around two atria, creating a public, communicative ground floor dedicated to teaching and collaboration, with direct access to a landscaped courtyard to the south.

Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex (SEC). A bright, multi-story atrium with a glass facade, stairwells, balconies, and yellow accents, illuminated by daylight through large windows. Round skylights also provide additional light.
Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex (SEC). Modern office campus with glass buildings, lawn, trees, and people seated on red chairs along a terrace and outdoor seating area.
Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex (SEC). White facade with geometric sunshade panels on the modern building; yellow outdoor chairs and tables on a terrace with grass and city view.
Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex (SEC). Bright multi-level atrium with stairs, glass walls, a tall yellow column, hanging plants, and seating areas below.
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Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex (SEC). Modern office campus with glass buildings, lawn, trees, and people seated on red chairs along a terrace and outdoor seating area.
Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex (SEC). White facade with geometric sunshade panels on the modern building; yellow outdoor chairs and tables on a terrace with grass and city view.
Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex (SEC). Bright multi-level atrium with stairs, glass walls, a tall yellow column, hanging plants, and seating areas below.

A sunken courtyard beside the central atrium organizes below-grade spaces, enabling reuse of the existing structure and integration into the new SEC. It also establishes a potential connection to future buildings to the south, while creating a vibrant hub for SEAS (School of Engineering and Applied Sciences) classrooms, teaching labs, and core facilities.

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Level 1, 2, 5

The upper volumes contain modular, adaptable wet and dry labs isolated from the main floor, which is geared toward the general public. Smart zoning divides dry areas from areas with high ventilation, while integrated lab services ensure long-term adaptation. Teachers and students can engage in casual conversation in the large lounges located between lab buildings.

Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex (SEC). People in lab coats working at benches with pipettes and samples in a bright laboratory lined with shelves and equipment.
Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex (SEC). Students working at tables with laptops and electronics while an instructor and some students presents on a screen in a bright workshop classroom.
Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex (SEC). People walking along an upper-level walkway in a bright atrium with large windows, concrete columns, and a yellow column, with seating nearby where student are working.
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Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex (SEC). People in lab coats working at benches with pipettes and samples in a bright laboratory lined with shelves and equipment.
Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex (SEC). Students working at tables with laptops and electronics while an instructor and some students presents on a screen in a bright workshop classroom.
Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex (SEC). People walking along an upper-level walkway in a bright atrium with large windows, concrete columns, and a yellow column, with seating nearby where student are working.
Client
The President and Fellows of Harvard College
Architects
Behnisch Architekturbüro
Address

150 Western Avenue
Allston, MA 02134
United States

Gross Area

50,539 qm / 544,000 sq.ft

Gross Volume

495.494 cbm / 17,498,213 cu.ft

Net Area

217,800 sq.ft, 5 acres

Competition

2006, 1st prize

Certification

LEED Platinum, Living Building Challenge - Materials Petal, Beauty Petal, Equity Petal 

Photography

Brad Feinknopf

Awards

2021 The Plan Award
2021 DAM, nomination
2021 WAN Award, gold
2021 ABB Leaf Award, winner
2021 Prix Versailles, World Special Prize for an Exterior 2021
2021 BSA Harleston Parker Medal, nomination
2021 SEFA Lab of the Year, winner
2021 AIA New England Awards: Award for Design Excellence
2021 AN Best of Design Award, winner
2021 Built Environment Plus Award: Green Building of the Year
2021 ENR (Engineering New Report)
2022 Green Good Design Award, The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design
2022 American Architecture Award, The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design
2022 FSC Leadership Awards Winners Advance Responsible Forest Management
2023 Vitruvian Award, winner
2023 i2SL Overall Lab Buildings and Projects Award, winner
2023 AIA COTE® Top Ten Award
Living Building Challenge: Materials, Beauty and Equity Petals
2025 Society for College and University Planning, SCUP Honor Award

Water Story Section

Certified by the International Living Future Institute’s (ILFI) Living Building Challenge for Materials, Beauty, and Equity, the SEC is recognized as Harvard University’s healthiest building. In addition to the robust, biodiverse landscape filtering runoff through wet-meadow plantings for reuse, all materials are Red List free, guaranteeing ingredient transparency. The building is also LEED Platinum certified.

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Facade Performance Diagram

The structure integrates high-performance systems—circadian lighting, efficient HVAC, and vegetated roof terraces—while its layered exterior facade balances aesthetic and technical objectives. The facade, a crucial component of the complex's ambitious energy strategy, improves occupant comfort and energy performance while calibrating the scale of the large research volumes and signaling Harvard University’s presence in Allston.

Four principal facade types define the exterior, including the world’s first hydroformed stainless-steel screen, which wraps the laboratory zones. This innovative screen reduces solar heat gain in summer, admits winter sunlight, reflects daylight into the interior, and preserves expansive views. Glazed sections feature exterior sunshades and operable windows to support natural ventilation.

Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex (SEC). A small office corner with a desk, chair, and seating made of green plants by a large window. Through the window, you can see the sunshade panels and the city.

Harvard's reputation in science and engineering is further reinforced by the SEC's striking yet highly functional design, which positions the Allston campus as a hub for innovative, environmentally friendly educational settings.

Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex (SEC). Full view of the multi-story building with the sunshade panels. The building is located on a street corner. Cyclists, pedestrians, and cars are passing by.

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