Project overview: Harvard Divinity School’s mission is to educate students for intellectual leadership, professional service, and ministry. The 1911 structure was originally shaped by a turn-of-the-century curriculum centered on Western religion and education. In the years since, the Divinity School evolved to encompass more than 45 faith traditions with an international, diverse student population.
The design reflects the school’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Awarded LEED Platinum and designed to achieve approximately 38% annual energy savings compared to ASHRAE 90.12010 Baseline Design, the building envelope was completely rehabilitated, internally insulated, and retrofitted with high-performance windows. Healthy materials were prioritized on the project while excluding chemicals that pollute the environment and harm construction and factory workers. New landscape includes the planting of more than 50 trees in a campus green.
The project renews and expands the historic building, creating an inviting and accessible front door for the school and campus. The revitalized building and transparent addition welcome new audiences and provides needed assembly, instructional, and communal spaces. A 200-seat multipurpose room accommodates large events and colloquia, while a café provides new community and program space. The historic Chapel was restored to provide greater access and inclusiveness. The school’s special library collections were consolidated, with library stacks removed to create three new levels of classrooms, workplace, and a multifaith worship space and ablution room to serve wider faith traditions.
The rejuvenated site and building create a dynamic and inclusive new campus gateway, and a spiritual, academic, and social center.
Project location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Firm name: Annum Architects (formerly Ann Beha Architects)
Architect of Record: Annum Architects
Completion: 2021
Client: Harvard Divinity School
Jury comments: This LEED Platinum project does an excellent job of linking the existing programs of the historic campus. The interior materials were selected for human well-being, and the connection to the outdoor plaza creates an inspiring place for students to gather. The Swartz Hall renovation and expansion creates a thoughtfully designed environment that emphasizes inclusivity, community, and sustainability. Its integration with the surrounding landscape—featuring native plantings and stormwater management systems—enhances local biodiversity and supports a resilient urban ecosystem.
