Harvard Science Center Courtyard at Harvard University; for Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, with MSME; Cambridge, MA
Floating above an existing mechanical room, a series of gentle slopes hug a family of sedum planters upon an existing mechanical room at the Harvard Science Center. Slopes were rigorously studied at 0.25” contour intervals to accommodate maximum slopes while maintaining ADA accessibility.
Structural load concerns were addressed throughout the design: geofoam blocks to minimize soil weight; restrained planting; the use of umbrellas as whimsical canopy tree replacements.
Floating above an existing mechanical room, a series of gentle slopes hug a family of sedum planters upon an existing mechanical room at the Harvard Science Center. Slopes were rigorously studied at 0.25” contour intervals to accommodate maximum slopes while maintaining ADA accessibility.
Structural load concerns were addressed throughout the design: geofoam blocks to minimize soil weight; restrained planting; the use of umbrellas as whimsical canopy tree replacements.
