Harvard University began renovations to its Science Center Education and Research Laboratory in December 2023, closing most of the building’s first and second floors as part of a long-term renovation of the complex scheduled to finish in summer 2025.
First built in 1972, the Science Center includes the Cabot Library and space for many STEM departments.
Construction includes the creation of approximately 20,000 square feet of new classroom, laboratory and office space, according to design details posted on the science center’s website. The first phase of construction is expected to end in January 2025, with the second phase beginning shortly thereafter.
The project is currently focused on renovating four teaching laboratories located on the first and second floors of the building.
According to Science Center Facilities Operations Manager Mark J. Pimentel, renovations to date have included the redevelopment of four existing laboratories.
“Three labs are now completely destroyed. The fourth lab will remain operational until December, at which point the other three will be completed,” Pimentel said.
“One will be a high-use lab, one will be a light-use lab, and the third area, which was previously a lab, will become additional classroom and office space, as well as collaborative work space.” he added.
One of the goals of the renovation is to “make science more visible,” according to the project’s website.
Pimentel said some of the lab walls will be glass and will be visible from common spaces.
“There will be science on display,” he said.
Another major focus of the renovation is improving accessibility throughout the science center. “We have a long-term schedule to upgrade the building and build it fully to accessibility code,” Pimentel said.
“As of this week and next week, all of the original restrooms in the building will be compliant with regulations from an accessibility perspective,” he added. “This summer, we will begin adding accessible restrooms on the first, second and third floors.”
Other accessibility updates to the science center include the addition of handrails and improvements to entrances and doors throughout the building.
Renovations will continue through the summer and include accessibility improvements to lecture halls C and D.
Ultimately, the renovations aim to improve the science center’s main spaces.
“These areas of the science center haven’t undergone any kind of major upgrades since their original construction, and that’s a big reason why it’s an update of the space,” Pimentel said.
—Staff writer Danielle J. Im can be reached at danielle.im@thecrimson.com.