The Gund Hall / Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Designed in 1968 by John Andrews of Toronto, The Gund Hall or the building of the Harvard University Graduate School of Design remains of the most controversial buildings around Harvard. When the building opened in 1972, the bold concept was faced with mixed reviews. Known as “the building nobody wanted”, criticized as an “unidentified flying object”, labeled as “the school in a gym”, or “the factory of plastic plants, the project was rocked with discord and strife.
The building design concept was based on enhancing the studio experience and optimizing the interaction of various studies. The design primarily revolved around the studio space and there should be no separation of disciplines as the studio experience was regarded as the essence of learning design. The building should also serve as a venue that facilitates interaction among faculty and students. Accessibility, flexibility, interchangeability, contact, continuity, equality, and integration of disciplines were embodied in the design of the studio space. And everything else came secondary to the studio space. However, people complained about the circulation and orientation inside the building. Problems arose with the design of non-studio space such as classrooms, lecture rooms, service areas, offices, etc. and the inefficiency of the heating and cooling systems.
Almost 40 years after its construction, today, the Gund Hall is still a bone of contention. The trash is located at the entrance of the building, the mechanical system faces the front and seen on top of the roof, and the bicycle racks became part of the building landscape. Even the elevator is difficult to navigate on the ground floor.
So WHAT IF we turn the Gund Hall around and reverse it 360 degrees?
The entry between the offices and the studio becomes the main entrance. It leads directly to the access elevators. The cafeteria will face Quincy Street and become the meeting place for students and guests. The library will be located at the back allowing students to enjoy the view of the open pocket park. The studio space will face the view of the Memorial Hall. The terraces of the studio space, which is the biggest factor of the building design will be uncovered and finally, the public can see and experience the magnificence and splendor of the Gund Hall.
Check out the 3D simulation of the 360 degree reversed orientation of the Gund Hall.
Thanks.
