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In the News
Shawmut Reconnects Divinity School to Harvard Community With New Renovations
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Mixed-use administrative and dining facility returns Rockefeller Hall to its green roots Boston, MA – November 11, 2008 –Shawmut Design and Construction (www.shawmut.com), a leading national construction management firm, along with Venturi, Scott Brown & Associates, recently completed the renovation and addition to Rockefeller Hall, home of Harvard University’s Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The work reconnects the Divinity School with the rest of the Harvard community and extends Shawmut’s relationship with Harvard as its trusted partner in academic construction. The project, which included the transformation of a 1970s-era postmodern design from a dormitory into a multi-use building for the Divinity School, not only remodeled the building itself, but completely transformed what was previously a bleak, concrete lot into an inviting, landscaped park. The building was originally designed by renowned New York architect Edward Larrabee Barnes, recently the posthumous recipient of the AIA Gold Award. Construction on the heavily-trafficked plot in the Northeast corner of the Harvard campus both unified the Divinity School spatially with the rest of campus as well as created harmony with several neighboring residential properties. Outdoors, Shawmut transformed a former parking lot into an inviting park in front of Rockefeller and Andover Halls, landscaped into 50,000 square feet of attractive recreation and community space in the spirit of Harvard Yard. A two-toned contemplation labyrinth, made from Chinese-imported granite, adorns the pathway. The interior and exterior renovation was completed in June well before the start of the next academic term. The building now houses a state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor dining facility with all new equipment and more efficient layout. Additionally, administrative offices and meeting rooms exist on the three upper floors, which were previously used as dormitory space. Improvements to the building’s envelope included installation of new exterior windows and roofing. All features on the façade were required to match that of the original, including windows, masonry, and exposed aggregate. Under the guidance of Shawmut’s Director of Historic Preservation, Carl Jay, bricks were stained their original color instead of replacing them, which both helped avoid damage to the surrounding façade and which proved to be the most efficient strategy. Other improvements, such as life safety and building systems and fire detection and suppression systems have been implemented. The project team has applied for LEED® Gold Certification, and throughout the project, selected environmentally-friendly materials, including low-VOC finishes, maximizing daylighting and recycling a substantial portion of construction debris. A sophisticated irrigation system was installed which networks with weather reports in order to regulate water delivery with rainfall. Referring to an old photo of the school before the asphalt addition several years ago, Harvard University Director of Operations Ralph DeFlorio recalled its caption, which read, “How green was our valley.” DeFlorio explained that for years, the Divinity School yearned to return to that greenness. “With the work that Shawmut did, that was achieved,” he said. “People are very excited about it. The landscape just really transformed the campus, and provides a better sense of identity. I think Shawmut as a team worked extremely well. When I had an issue or question, everyone at Shawmut was very responsive, and I really appreciated that. And, the team seemed to really want to make this a sustainable building, and took all the steps that were necessary to achieve that.” Shawmut Design and Construction has had the privilege of working with Harvard University for two decades and continues to strengthen the relationship with a strong focus on seamless integration into the campus community and surrounding neighborhood. Recent past projects include the restoration of Sever Hall, Byerly Hall and the addition and renovation of the New College Theatre. About Shawmut Design and Construction |
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